According to reports in The People, via The Sun, Newcastle United are said to be lining up a club-record £27m bid for Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose if they are promoted back to the Premier League.

The Toon Army are still on course for an instant return to the top flight despite losing 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, as they currently lie 10 points ahead of third-placed Huddersfield Town, who have just six fixtures of the season remaining.

Magpies manager Rafa Benitez will already know that he needs to strengthen his squad if they are to avoid another relegation battle should they return to the Premier League, and he is said to have identified the Brazilian attacker as a potential addition.

However, Ronald Koeman’s Everton are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old, who has enjoyed an impressive season for the La Liga outfit.

Here are three reasons Newcastle must beat Everton to the signing of Willian Jose…

They need a striker

While Dwight Gayle has been brilliant this season after scoring 22 Championship goals in the, there is no doubt that Newcastle will need more firepower if they are promoted back to the Premier League.

Benitez seems far from convinced with Aleksandar Mitrovic – who has fallen out of favour in recent months – while he would also surely have his doubts as to whether the 34-year-old Daryl Murphy can make the step up to the top flight again having not played there since 2008.

He can be a focal point

While Dwight Gayle has proven that he is a brilliant goalscorer at Championship level, Willian Jose would perhaps give the Newcastle frontline more of a focal point in the Premier League.

The striker likes to hold up the ball and lay it off to his teammates, and the ability to do that could be vital if the Magpies are to play on the counter attack – which is something they are particularly likely to do away from home – should they win promotion back to the top flight.

He scores goals

Willian Jose has proven over the course of the last three seasons that while he isn’t a prolific goalscorer, he is able to hit double figures on a regular basis.

His record for Real Sociedad during the current campaign is particularly impressive with the 25-year-old scoring 10 goals in 23 La Liga appearances, and he is the Spanish club’s top goalscorer in the league.

While north-east rivals Middlesbrough have been relatively solid in the Premier League this term, their lack of goals could mean that they suffer relegation and Rafa Benitez won’t want to suffer the same fate if they go up.

Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.