Newcastle United have made some steady progress in the transfer market so far this summer but, with a lack of quality options to call upon in attacking positions, Rafa Benitez and Mike Ashley should still be in the hunt for some key additions during the final days of the transfer window. 

The arrival of Yoshinori Muto is expected to be confirmed in the near future with only paperwork surrounding a work-permit standing in his way of a switch to Newcastle United, but the Japan international should not be the only attacking player to arrive at St James' this summer.

After relying on Ayoze Perez for inspiration in the number ten role last season, Newcastle could do with signing a new number ten this summer in order to provide the little Spaniard with some healthy competition for a starting berth.

And according to a recent report from Footmercato, Thorgan Hazard - brother of Eden - is available for a price of just 20 million euros (£18 million) this summer, with both Sevilla and AS Roma expressing an interest in his services.

The incredibly versatile attacking midfielder currently plays for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga where he managed to bag 10 goals and provide 5 assists last season, taking his respective tallies in German football to 21 and 24 from 114 matches.

As you can see from the above infographic, Hazard makes an average of 2 key passes per game, and his ability to slice open the opposition would certainly provide Newcastle with a dynamic that is currently missing from their play in the final-third.

His record is not quite on the scintillating level which Eden has achieved during his career so far, but contributing at least 1 goal for every 3 games is certainly not a record to be sniffed at.

Like his brother, Thorgan Hazard is a player who loves to be direct with his play by driving at opponents with speed and quick-feet to create opportunities in the final-third.

Not only would Hazard bring an edge to Newcastle's attack which will transform their threat in the final-third, the fact it would take a record-breaking transfer fee to secure his services would finally ease the tensions between owner, supporters and manager at St James' Park, for a moment at least.

Even if it only provided momentary respite, Hazard's arrival would be a hugely exciting prospect for everybody involved with the club and it would certainly give them a huge psychological and footballing advantage for their upcoming relegation battle.

It's not a fee which Ashley is known for parting with, far from it, but he has to break the mould eventually with a record-breaking signing to lift the cloud of intense frustration which currently looms over Tyneside.

Newcastle fans - thoughts? Let us know below!