According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are exploring the possibility of signing Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez in this summer's transfer window.

What's the story?

Rodriguez, 27, has made over 100 Premier League appearances for Southampton since a 2012 move from Burnley, but it is thought that the forward will leave the Saints this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are eyeing a swoop for the one-time England international, and have learned that they would have to pay £15m to sign him.

Newcastle have been strongly linked with a move for Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham, but the England Under-21 international is said to be on the wish-list of a number of clubs, which has left Newcastle needing to put a contingency plan in place.

It is understood that West Bromwich Albion and Burnley are also considering a move ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, although Newcastle are believed to be in the driving seat.

What has happened to Rodriguez?

Rodriguez scored 41 times in 128 appearances for Burnley between 2007 and 2012, which led to Southampton signing the forward in a £7m deal.

The attacker enjoyed a spectacular 2013-14 campaign, hitting 17 goals in all competitions, including 15 in 33 Premier League matches. Indeed, it was thought that Rodriguez's form would see him make the England squad for the 2014 World Cup.

The now 27-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in April 2014, however, which would see him miss the entire 2014-15 campaign.

Rodriguez signed a new four-year contract at Southampton in May 2015, but he has only scored five times in his last 36 Premier League appearances after struggling to rediscover his best form.

Last term, he only managed nine Premier League starts, and it is understood that the forward wants a fresh start away from Southampton as he bids to fully overcome his injury troubles.

Newcastle might be reluctant to spend £15m on a player that has struggled in recent years, but the newly-promoted outfit could well help Rodriguez find the type of form that saw him represent England in the latter stages of 2013.

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