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Charlie Austin will become Newcastle’s first summer signing in the next week – and England Under-21 striker Saido Berahino is also on their radar, writes Simon Bird.

The Magpies have a £40million-plus transfer kitty and want to revamp every department of the team but goals and striking talent are the top priority.

New boss Steve McClaren has demanded rapid progress to give disgruntled fans some hope and belief ahead of next season.

That means £15m-rated Austin is to be poached from relegated Queens Park Rangers after scoring 18 goals last season, his first in the top flight, in a struggling side - although there will be haggling over the fee with the Geordies only wanting to spend £10m.

England U21 international Berahino’s future at West Brom is on hold until their ownership situation is resolved, but last season's 20-goal striker would cost £20m.

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Owner Mike Ashley has told McClaren and chief scout Graham Carr to “get on with the job” and spend the club’s big transfer reserves – which included £34m cash in the bank.

Newcastle can make significant progess this summer in rebuilding a weakened squad that has hampered by under-investment in recent years.

* ADEL TAARABT has flown to Lisbon to sign for Portuguese giants Benfica, writes John Cross.

Moroccan midfielder Taarabt was released by QPR at the end of the season but has managed to land a contract with one of European football's biggest names.

(Image: Ben Hoskins)

Meanwhile, the relegated Hoops are negotiating a £500,000 deal for 19-year-old Montpellier striker Joris Ahlinvi as they prepare for life back in the Championship.