This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Newcastle are beginning their preparations for the January transfer window and have reportedly targeted Charlton's Macauley Bonne, according to TalkSPORT.

What's the word?

It is being reported that the Magpies are leading the race to sign Bonne amid interest from Fulham and Leicester City, two clubs where the striker is less likely to get game time due to their attacking options.

The 24-year-old only made the step-up into league football when he joined Charlton for £200,000 in the summer, but he has contributed six goals in the Championship despite taking a while to earn a place in the team.

Newcastle, along with the other clubs mentioned, have been linked with Bonne before, in December 2018, and now he has proved himself at a higher level they could be more willing to make a move for him.

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Big gamble

There is no doubt Bonne is a rising star. His finishing ability and poaching instinct means he could score goals at any level, but he is not the answer to Newcastle's problems currently.

He bagged 45 goals across two seasons for Leyton Orient in the National League before the Addicks managed to snatch him away at a bargain price, and though he would be a cheaper option for Newcastle than previous buys, he also presents more of a risk.

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Bonne works hard and Steve Bruce would be keen on that attribute, but he lacks the finesse and skill to succeed at the top level at this moment, as his one assist in 15 games indicates.

In leading the line at St. James' Park he would have a lot of responsibility, not only to score goals but to link-up play and hold the ball up. Therefore, Newcastle would be better suited to buying a player with more Premier League experience.

The Magpies are in desperate need of goals from their forward players as current regulars Joelinton and Andy Carroll have just one goal between them. Bonne, however, simply wouldn't be able to guarantee that.

However, given the form of Joelinton Newcastle are in need of a new striker urgently, so it is at least a positive to see movement being made to address that concern.