Newcastle United have made an inquiry for Viktoria Plzen's £10million-rated striker Michael Krmencik, and are hopeful of concluding an agreement for Sparta Prague goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

The Magpies have struggled for goals so far this season, possessing the fifth worst record in the Premier League - with 22 goals - and Sunday's 3-0 FA Cup defeat by Chelsea left little confidence for Rafael Benitez's strikers.

Benitez has targeted signing a striker and a goalkeeper before the transfer window closes on Wednesday, with Krmencik likely to meet the requirements of the former category.

Czech forward Michael Krmencik will cost Rafael Benitez £10m to bring him to Newcastle

The 24-year-old has 11 goals in 14 league appearances and Benitez hopes the Czech Republic international could fire his side up the league table.

Karl Darlow was criticised for his part in one of Chelsea's three goals - Marcos Alonso's free kick which he bent into the goalkeeper's net.

Despite criticisms though, Newcastle have maintained a relatively tight ship, with nine top-flight teams conceding more times.

Nonetheless, Benitez could turn to Slovak shot-stopper Dubravka, who like Krmencik also competes in the Czech first division, could further improve his side's defensive record.