Newcastle United are keen on Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic, according to a report from German publication Kicker. 

The lowdown

Signing a striker is an 'absolute priority' for Newcastle in the upcoming market, The I's Mark Douglas has reported.

Newcastle paid £25million to sign Chris Wood in January, but he's only scored one non-penalty goal in 16 appearances, and Callum Wilson's lengthy injury record may also be a concern.

Kaladjzic, 24, is a giant of a number nine at 6 foot 7, and may be exit-bound if last weekend's scenes are anything to go by.

The Austrian 'looked like [he was] saying goodbye' in a tearful moment after a 2-1 win over Koln.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reported on Monday that Stuttgart would seek a relatively cheap €25million (£21million) for his signature.

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The latest

According to Kicker's information, Newcastle are one of the clubs on the trail of Kalajdzic ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, they face some competition from clubs who may be bracing themselves to lose star no. 9s this summer.

With Darwin Nunez emerging as 'one of Europe's most coveted players', Benfica have begun exploring a move for Kalajdzic.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are considering a move too as a successor for Robert Lewandowski after the Poland star indicated that he is open to leaving the club.

The verdict

Could Kalajdzic be the long-term striker at St James' Park?

Well, he's only scored six goals this season, but that's largely down to the fact that he was out of action from the end of August until the New Year with a shoulder injury.

His impressive record last season, when he bagged 17 in 36 appearances, is probably a truer reflection of his capability.

Overall, he's bagged 36 goals in 93 outings at club level, adding four more in his 13 caps for Austria (via Transfermarkt).

It's no surprise that Kalajdzic is a monster when it comes to aerial duels, winning 5.7 per 90 minutes. That puts him in the 93rd percentile for strikers in the top five leagues, and comparisons to Peter Crouch were perhaps inevitable.

The 'towering' forward (in the words of journalist Andy Naylor) could dominate centre-backs and be a smart, reasonably-priced pick-up for Newcastle.

In other news, this ex-NUFC boss could raid his former club.