According to reports in Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad, via the Daily Star, Newcastle United are one of the club interested in signing impressive Napoli forward Dries Mertens this summer.

The 29-year-old’s contract with the Serie A outfit runs out in 2018, and the Belgian attacker is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Provided they are promoted this term – the Championship leaders are currently six points ahead of third-placed Huddersfield Town – the Magpies should get the green light to make a move for the Belgium international, who has been in outstanding form this season.

The story suggests that Rafa Benitez’s men could face competition from the likes of top flight trio Manchester United, West Ham United and Crystal Palace for the signature of Mertens, but it would certainly be one of the best signings in their history if they could pull it off.

Here are THREE reasons Newcastle must go all out to sign Mertens this summer…

It would be a statement of intent

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If Newcastle succeed in returning to the Premier League this season, then manager Rafa Benitez will want to make some additions in the summer that will ensure that they stay there – and perhaps even more.

Bringing in a player like Mertens would certainly do that, and would also convince other potential signings that joining the Magpies would be an ambitious move.

The 29-year-old is a player that can excite the fans too, and they deserve it after a tough few years.

He can make a huge impact in England

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Incredibly, the forward has scored 24 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for Napoli this season, which makes him one of the best and most prolific players in Europe this season.

The Belgian is similar in style to his national compatriot and Chelsea star Eden Hazard as he is able to play all across the forward line, but at 29 years of age he is certainly more attainable if he decides to move to the Premier League this summer.

He knows the manager

While a move may seem unlikely at first glance, the fact that Mertens was Benitez’s first signing when he took over at Napoli in 2013 could have some bearing on a potential deal this summer.

The Belgian will know Benitez well from the duo’s spell together at the Serie A club, and the Spaniard would be confident that he could again convince the 29-year-old to link up with current side Newcastle if they are promoted to the Premier League.

What do YOU make of this rumour, Newcastle fans? Let us know in the comments section below.