According to reports in The Sun, Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez is La Liga side Real Betis' top summer transfer target after they qualified for the Europa League, and Southampton should also make a shock move to sign the 24-year-old.

What's the word, then?

Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United vs Arsenal - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - April 15, 2018 Newcastle United's Ayoze Perez is substituted off as Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez looks on REUTERS/Scott Heppell EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Well, The Sun says that Betis are determined to bring the Spaniard back to his home country and are ready to test the Tyneside outfit's resolve with a bid, but Magpies manager Rafa Benitez wants him to stay at St James' Park – especially after the fine end to the season he enjoyed.

The Sun says that the attacking midfielder previously told them that he would like to remain in the Premier League even if he was to ever leave Newcastle, and that is something that may be of interest to Southampton.

The south coast outfit will be determined to strengthen their squad over the summer to ensure they don't find themselves in relegation trouble in the top flight again next term, and 90% of their fans on Twitter somewhat surprisingly want them to keep one of their 28-year-old stars.

How did Perez do this season?

It was something of a rollercoaster campaign for the 24-year-old, who was always a regular in the XI under Benitez but often struggled to make a significant impact for the team in the final third.

However, the Spaniard did end on a high real high with six goals and one assist in the Toon's final eight Premier League fixtures – establishing himself as their top attacker across the season as a result.

The attacking midfielder proved then that he has the quality to be a brilliant player at this level, and he just needs to make sure he does on a more consistent basis.

Would he be a good signing for Southampton?

He certainly could be for the right price.

While Dusan Tadic stepped up towards the end of the season, the south coast outfit suffered a real lack of goal threat and creativity from their attackers throughout the campaign in general, and it is something that needs to be put right this summer.

Perez showed in the closing stages of the season that he would be able to do that, and if Rafa Benitez does end up joining West Ham in the coming weeks after the east London club reportedly made him their number one target, the 24-year-old could be looking for an exit.

However, if Rafa stays it would certainly be hard to prise him away given the decent relationship the duo clearly have.

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