The transfer window is open and Rafael Benitez is in desperate need of new faces to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.

The former Liverpool boss stated it would be a ‘miracle’ if his side were to avoid relegation to the Championship in May. After a summer of little investment, poor results meant the Magpies were stuck at the wrong end of the table. However, an upturn in form over the festive period has given fans hope of climbing the table in 2019.

It remains to be seen whether owner Mike Ashley will back the Spaniard financially now the transfer window is open. Benitez wants to bolster his firepower to give the Magpies the best chance of beating the drop.

One man he should be targeting is Nice forward – Mario Balotelli. Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, the Italian forward struggled during his last spell at Liverpool but his career was reinvigorated after moving to Ligue 1. The 28-year-old enjoyed two goal-laden seasons with the club but has fallen out of favour with new manager Patrick Vieira.

If Benitez can manage to get the best out of the Italy international, this move could prove to be a masterstroke. Balotelli’s arrival would relieve the goalscoring burden on the shoulders of Salomon Rondon in attack and give the Magpies another top-quality option. If he can rediscover his form of late in France, Newcastle should be in no danger of relegation.

With his contract expiring in the summer, this deal shouldn’t break the bank.

Newcastle fans, thoughts?