An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's pursuit of Zenit striker Sardar Azmoun...

What's the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are eyeing a swoop for the centre-forward as they attempt to beat Ligue 1 side Lyon to his signature.

The report claims that he is out of contract at the end of the season and Lyon are struggling to land him this month a they will not pay more than £3m, with Newcastle now looking to take advantage of the situation by making a move of their own.

Could solve big NUFC problem

Eddie Howe could solve a big problem for Newcastle by completing a deal to sign Azmoun this month. Callum Wilson recently suffered a calf injury and could be out for several months, which leaves the squad light at the top end of the pitch.

The 29-year-old has scored six Premier League goals for the club this season and is one of only two Magpies players to have netted more than once in the top flight in 2021/22. This illustrates the overreliance on him to find the net and get the team out of trouble, a key issue which needs to be addressed before the end of the transfer window.

By signing Azmoun, Howe could find a solution. The Zenit marksman has scored 10 goals in 21 games this season, including two goals in three Champions League starts.

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz previously heaped praise on the attacker, saying: "He has all the qualities to succeed at the highest level. He is improving all the time. He has to keep his feet on the ground, work hard and make the right decisions. If so, he could be a real star of Iranian and Asian football for years to come."

Azmoun himself once admitted that he would like to play in England, saying: "I'm a fan of Real Madrid. but I'm in love with English Premier League and it would be a dream for me to play in England's top division."

Last season, he scored 19 goals in 21 league starts for Zenit, adding further weight to his goalscoring pedigree. This shows that he could have the quality to join Newcastle and fill the scoring void with Wilson out injured, which is why they must complete a deal for him ahead of Lyon this month.

AND in other news, Hammond could save NUFC's season with £20m January deal for "extraordinary" predator...