Mike Ashley needs to bring in some new signings to Newcastle, it’s safe to say that the Magpies desperately need a striker.

After a fairly unassuming summer so far for Newcastle, there was a small glimmer of hope for the Geordie faithful as it seems the club are close to finalising a deal for Chelsea man, Kenedy. The Brazilian is a welcome addition to St James’ Park, albeit only on a temporary deal. A winger is definitely what Newcastle needed but the club need to push on and get a striker capable of scoring close to 20 goals.

Unfortunately, the Magpies look set to miss out on Nice striker and top transfer target, Alassane Plea. As a replacement, Newcastle will now look to Aston Villa forward, Jonathan Kodjia according to the Express and Star. Amid their financial problems, Aston Villa need to sell to bring in funds and could well allow Kodjia to leave for a relatively low fee, especially considering his recent injury history.

The Breakdown

Amid what looks like it could be anxious summer for Villa, Newcastle could well exploit the situation. Several players’ futures could well be in doubt following Villa’s loss in the play-off final, and Kodjia is one of them.

Before his injury, the 28-year-old had scored 19 goals in the Championship for Villa and before that had scored 18 in his last season for Bristol.

He has now followed down the pecking order at Villa, and according to the report both Newcastle and Leeds are considering a move for the striker. Newcastle would be able to offer the former Bristol City man a more attractive option in the Premier League, and although his injury may put Benitez off, he may offer a cut-price solution to Newcastle’s striking problem.

Thoughts Newcastle fans?