Newcastle are lining up a move for Watford striker Troy Deeney, sources close to the Hornets have told ESPN FC.

Deeney, who has just completed a four-match ban for his second red card of the season, has emerged as a top target for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez as he looks to add goals to his side.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Newcastle officials have made an enquiry to Watford to ask about Deeney's availability this month.

Benitez has made striking reinforcements one of his main priorities during this month's transfer window as Newcastle have struggled for goals this season and it has been a contributing factor to their poor form in the campaign.

Troy Deeney could boost Newcastle's flagging attack should he join them this month. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Newcastle are among the lowest scorers in the Premier League this term with just 20 goals from their opening 22 games to date.

Dwight Gayle and Joselu are Newcastle's joint-top goalscorers this season and Benitez wants to add more firepower to his squad to help them move clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.

Benitez is an admirer of Deeney and sees the 29-year-old as someone who will add goals and guile to his side in the second half of the season.

Deeney's future at Watford has been the subject of speculation, with the Hornets captain failing to hold down a regular spot in Marco Silva's starting XI.

The Watford captain has scored just seven Premier League games so far this season, with six coming from the bench as Andre Gray has become Silva's preferred choice in attack.

Watford could consider moving Deeney on if he is not going to figure in Silva's plans going forward and Newcastle could offer the forward regular first-team football.