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

Newcastle have reportedly taken an interest in Genk striker Mbwana Samatta, according to BBC Sport.

What's the latest?

The transfer window is lurking around the corner and Steve Bruce and his staff seem to have a clear strategy in mind with regard to recruitment, with the focus seemingly on a new striker.

Metz player Habibou Diallo had been linked with a move to the north-east earlier this week and Samatta is a similar target, as both could be brought in for a rather low price.

BBC Sport report that Samatta has a release clause of around £10m, a small outlay for the Magpies in comparison to Joelinton, who cost four times that amount in the summer.

West Ham are also reportedly tracking the 24-year-old, though, and if both clubs were to bid the required fee then Newcastle would have some persuading to do in order to attract him to St James' Park.

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Opposite to Joelinton

The price difference isn't the only notable contrast between Samatta and the Brazilian - a quick look at their goalscoring record evidences that.

Joelinton scored just seven Bundesliga goals in 2018/19 and this year just has one to his name so far, but has assisted his side in other areas, most notably his effective hold-up play.

Bruce seemingly wants more, though, which is understandable given his top scorer is Jonjo Shelvey on two, with just nine scored from 11 games in the league.

Sambatta may be able to provide that difference. His eight goals in 18 games this term - adding to the 32 he scored last season - show he is a player who knows where the goal is, even proving a thorn in the side of Liverpool and RB Salzburg with goals against them in the Champions League in 2019/20.

His ability to score with both feet as well as his head should make him a good fit for the Premier League, but much of his success could be down to how Bruce utilises him, and given his current system it is likely he will have to settle for substitute appearances.

He would probably face a similar scenario at West Ham, and therefore he may be better suited moving to the Magpies, particularly as Joelinton's place could be put under pressure if his current scoring rate continues.