Newcastle United have enquired over a possible move for Watford captain Troy Deeney with the striker the club’s top transfer target, according to a report.

ESPN FC claim on their website that the Magpies have identified the 29-year-old hit man as the ideal addition to their squad during the current transfer window, with manager Rafael Benitez looking to bolster his side with reinforcements in attack.

The north east side have scored just 20 goals from 22 league games, and with both Joselu and Dwight Gayle, the club’s first choice strikers, having netted just three goals each, it is said the Spanish boss sees Deeney as the striker to help fire the club to Premier League safety.

The powerful centre forward has made just 13 appearances in the top flight this season, netting twice, but has missed seven games through suspension and there is said to be doubts over his future in the first team at Watford, with the Magpies having reportedly made an approach over his availability.

Football Insider verdict

Deeney is the sort of Premier League striker that Benitez has been searching for, and he will be keen to snap him up if the opportunity presents itself. His discipline issues may cause an issue but if the manager can stamp that out of his game immediately, then the Magpies could well secure themselves a ticket to top flight survival. Would Watford be willing to sell to a rival in the same league though? They may not have a choice. If they do not want him on their books, then they will struggle to find a club outside the Premier League who either want him, or can afford him, and they will not want to keep him as a drain on their financial resources.

In other Newcastle United transfer news, it has been confirmed that the club have held talks over the exit of a struggling attacker.

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