As reported by The Sun, Newcastle United are interested in signing Hull City's Sam Clucas this summer.

What's the story?

Having recently secured Javier Manquillo, the Magpies are ramping up their summer transfer spend as Rafa Benitez attempts to build a squad worthy of the English Premier League and it appears they are homing in another key target.

The Sun say they're interested in signing Hull City's Sam Clucas, a midfielder who despite the Tigers' relegation last term showed he belongs in the English top-flight.

The paper say that while Hull aren't eager to sell any more of their players before bringing bodies in, Newcastle are ready to tempt them with a £4m bid for the 26-year-old.

What does he offer?

Sam Clucas isn't a flashy player but is the kind of pragmatic and battling midfielder that can really enhance the Newcastle United squad. With the versatility to play up and down the left flank and from defensive to attacking midfield centrally, he could give Rafa Benitez piece of mind in terms of cover across a long English Premier League season.

A determined character, Clucas was one of Hull City's more consistent players last season and while they ultimately went down, he's the kind of battler that the Magpies might need to separate themselves from relegation candidates next season.

There were even reports in April that he could be on the verge of an England call-up, showing that he has an upwards ceiling in terms of potential as he enters the prime years of his career.

While he may not be the most exciting name to be linked with Newcastle this summer for supporters, he might be just what they need.

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