After a surprising season last year, Newcastle managed to finish 10th in the league but after a poor transfer window, it seems Newcastle could be in for a tough season.

Top of the list for Benitez this summer has been to find a goalscorer to lead the line to fill the shoes Aleksander Mitrovic, who is close to a move £20 million move to Fulham. With his departure, Newcastle will have no genuine threat up front as seen by their struggles going forward last season.

With Newcastle failing to strike a deal for a striker so far this summer, according to Bild, the club are now targeting Japan international Yoshinori Muto.

The Breakdown

According to the report, Newcastle will need to fend off from West Ham in the Japan international who impressed last season with Mainz.

With only a year left on his current deal, Mainz are ready to cash on Muto. The striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past but would be a poor move for Newcastle. While the Muto make come as a cheap cut-price deal - something Mike Ashley loves - the money just isn't worth it.

He scored eight goals in 27 appearances for Mainz last year, hardly the record of a hotshot striker. Muto hasn't had much experience of top-level football and although at 26, he is entering the prime of his career, the move just doesn't make sense.

Newcastle need a striker who's going to get close to at least 20 to keep them in the league, Muto isn't that man to do that.

What do you think Newcastle fans?