According to reports, Newcastle are lining up a summer swoop for Bournemouth striker Josh King.

What's the story?

Rafael Benitez wants a new central striker on Tyneside this summer, and Bournemouth’s Josh King is top of his wishlist.

The former Manchester United man has improved every season during his time with the Cherries, and Benitez hopes he can solve the Magpies’ scoring woes.

Everton were also interested in King, who could cost Newcastle around £20million.

Perfect fit on Tyneside?

With six goals and three assists in 24 Premier League starts, King is certainly not the 20-goal striker some fans will be hoping for, but he would be an upgrade on Dwight Gayle.

Gayle is a fan favourite on Tyneside thanks to his incredible Championship winning season, but he is yet to prove himself in the Premier League.

King may not be smashing in the goals either, but 26 year-old is bigger and stronger than Gayle, and has the pace to get in behind defences while also possessing the strength to play as a target man.

King is also an impressively versatile striker, having played mainly in the Ayoze Perez role behind a central striker this season, which could explain his lack of goals.

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Only Rafa Benitez knows if he intends to use King in the Perez role or the Gayle role, but he would certainly be a welcome addition on Tyneside, and his direct, aggressive style would quickly endear him to the Toon Army.

Newcastle fans, would you back a £20m punt for Josh King? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…