Newcastle eye move for Spanish striker Naranjo

Pete O'Rourke
Rafael Benitez: Looking for squad improvements

Rafael Benitez: Looking for squad improvements

Newcastle are lining a move for Spanish striker Jose Naranjo, sources have told www.teamtalk.com.

Naranjo has caught the eye of Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez after impressing for Gimnastic in Spain’s Segunda Division last season.

The 21-year-old scored 16 goals in 36 games for Gimnastic last term as they reached the play-offs only to lose to Osasuna.

Naranjo, who joined Gimnastic on a free transfer from Recreativo Huelva, has come to the attention of a number of clubs across Europe as a result of his goalscoring exploits.

Benitez, who has been granted full control of Newcastle’s recruitment, is now hoping to use his Spanish connections to try and seal a deal for Naranjo.

Newcastle have enjoyed success in signing players from lower leagues in Spain in the past after snapping up Ayoze Perez from Tenerife in 2014.

Benitez has made striking reinforcements one of his top priorities this summer as Newcastle struggled for goals last season, while doubts surround the long-term futures of Papiss Cisse and Aleksandar Mitrovic.