Newcastle have registered an interest in Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez ahead of a summer move.
According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle see Rodriguez as the ideal striker to bolster their squad ahead of a potential return to the Premier League.
Rodriguez has struggled at Southampton this season, managing just five goals in all competitions for the Saints.
His last goal came against Leicester in January, with Shane Long and Manolo Gabbiadini ahead of him in the pecking order.
With Charlie Austin now returning to fitness as well, Rodriguez will fall even further down the list.
This could prompt an exit from the club, with Newcastle possibly offering an escape route in the summer for the former Burnley centre forward.
The report also claims that Newcastle are interested in Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney, as well as Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross – as they look to make sure they have the best chance of staying in the league next season.
