According to Mundo Deportivo, Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez wants to stay at St James' Park this summer despite interest from Napoli and Real Sociedad.

What's the story?

Perez managed 10 goals in 37 appearances for Newcastle last season, with the Spaniard particularly impressive in the second half of the 2017-18 campaign as the Magpies moved up the Premier League table.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Napoli and Sociedad are both interested in signing the forward this summer after being impressed with his form last term.

However, the same report claims that Perez wants to stay at St James' Park, whilst Newcastle are also not interested in entertaining any offers for the former Spain Under-21 international.

Napoli would be able to offer Perez the chance to play in the Champions League, whilst his chances of breaking into the Spain squad could be improved by a move to Sociedad.

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However, it seems that Perez is more than content with the Magpies, which is excellent news for their supporters ahead of the 2018-19 season.

How important is Perez to Newcastle?

It would be fair to say that Perez has lacked consistency despite putting in some very impressive performances since moving to Newcastle from Tenerife in the summer of 2014.

The 24-year-old was outstanding in the final weeks of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign, however, with his performances leaving a big impression.

Perez actually scored six times in Newcastle's final eight Premier League games - including a double against Chelsea on the final weekend of the season.

Valued at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, Newcastle must keep hold of the Spaniard if they are to push for a top-half finish in the Premier League once again.

And it does appear that the Magpies are in a strong position to keep a player who has a special relationship with the English club's supporters.