Rafa Benitez is hoping to sign Danny Ings and Salomon Rondon before the end of the week as he looks to strengthen Newcastle's striking options, according to The Northern Echo.

What's the story?

Newcastle have endured another frustrating transfer window with few of Benitez's targets coming through the gates of St James' Park this summer.

The Magpies' boss has made it clear he wants attacking reinforcements and Ings and Rondon have been identified as the men to score the goals next season.

According to the report, the Ings deal may be a season-long loan with a £15million option to buy if the club avoid relegation.

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Crunch time for Mike Ashley

Newcastle fans know the score with Mike Ashley and they will be praying that he can deliver the targets that Benitez demands for once.

If they do manage to sign both Ings and Rondon, they will have two very experienced goal scorers who will definitely add to the appalling 39 goals the team managed in the league last season.

The relationship between Ashley and Benitez is fraught and the club know they have a world-class manager on their hands who is over-achieving with the squad and funds he has at his disposal.

It could spell the end of Benitez's time at the club if Ings and Rondon aren't brought in after he made it very clear he wants to see them at Newcastle, so the onus is now on Ashley to deliver.