Loads of Newcastle fans have been reacting to a stunning transfer rumour, as reports claim they are eyeing a sensational return to the Premier League for Mario Balotelli.

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle are ready to take a gamble on Balotelli, who has been left out in the cold at Ligue 1 club Nice.

The Italian international scored 15 and 18 Ligue 1 goals respectively in his first two seasons with the club, but manager Patrick Vieira has banished the striker from their training ground.

Playmaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer - check out the video below....

The 28 year-old will be a free agent in the summer, meaning clubs could snap him up for a nominal fee in January, an outcome that would be more favourable to Nice than losing him for nothing at the end of the season.

While signing the striker would certainly be a huge risk from Benitez and the Magpies, he does have immeasurable talent, and would be an upgrade on the scoring powers of the likes of Yoshinori Muto and Joselu.

Fans don’t seem too convinced about the volatile front man though, as you can see from the Twitter reactions down below…