According to Ovacion, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is interested in signing Hull City forward Abel Hernandez at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

What's the story?

It is expected to be a busy summer transfer window for Newcastle, with Benitez confident that he will be handed funds to improve his squad after steering the club away from trouble.

A new centre-forward is an absolute must for the Magpies when considering the problems that Dwight Gayle and Joselu have had in the final third of the field this season.

According to Ovacion, Newcastle boss Benitez is closely monitoring the situation surrounding Hernandez, who will see his Hull contract expire this summer.

The 27-year-old has missed the majority of the campaign through injury, but has managed eight goals in just 10 Championship appearances this season, and there will not be a shortage of interest in the centre-forward this summer.

What are Hernandez's credentials?

Hernandez, who has scored 11 times in 27 appearances for the Uruguay national team, moved to English football in 2014 when he joined Hull from Palmero.

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The striker cost the Tigers £10m, but only managed four goals in 27 appearances for the club during the 2015-16 Premier League campaign.

Hernandez, who has previously been linked with Leeds United, stayed with Hull following their relegation, however, and netted 22 times in 45 matches during the 2016-17 season.

As mentioned, an Achilles injury has seen the Uruguayan miss a lot of football this season, but a record of eight goals and two assists in 10 league appearances is extremely impressive.

Newcastle will need to spend big on a forward that is capable of contributing upwards of 10 Premier League goals next season, but Hernandez is a fine talent when fit, and there is no question that he is good enough to score goals in the top flight.

On a free transfer, the deal is an absolute no-brainer for the Magpies.