According to Sky Sports, Krasnodar striker Fyodor Smolov wants to sign for West Ham United before the January transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
Sky Sports says that the Russia captain – who is set to skipper his country at their home World Cup this summer – is keen on a move to London and the Premier League, and believes that the Irons could be the right club for him.
The report adds that David Moyes is expected to bid for the 27-year-old if the Hammers sell Diafra Sakho before January 31, with the Evening Standard reporting that they are likely to offer £15m for the centre-forward.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United lie just two points above the top flight relegation zone ahead of their crucial home match against bottom side Swansea City at St James’ Park on Saturday, and manager Rafa Benitez will be desperate to add to his squad in the next couple of weeks to boost them in their battle for survival this term.
A lack of progress with a proposed takeover may affect the Spaniard’s budget, but the need to address a side that has only scored 20 goals in 22 Premier League matches is paramount and bringing Smolov to St James’ Park could prove to be a shrewd move.
Here are three reasons Newcastle must convince the Russian to sign for them over West Ham…
Goal record
The Russia captain was never really a prolific goalscorer prior to his move to Krasnodar, but he has shown just how lethal he can be during his time with them.
The 27-year-old has scored 59 goals in 90 appearances in all competitions for the Russian outfit, including 10 in 15 outings in total this season.
The centre-forward has taken that form with him when he has represented his country too, netting 11 times in 28 caps including an impressive brace in the 3-3 friendly draw against Spain in November.
With that record he could certainly make an impact in attack for Newcastle, with Joselu, Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic only scoring seven Premier League goals between them so far this term.
His qualities
Standing at 6ft 2in tall, the 27-year-old is good in the air, and according to WhoScored.com one of his main strengths is his ability to hold the ball up and bring his teammates into play.
The centre-forward has quick feet too though, and he has successfully completed 16 of the 26 dribbles he has attempted in 13 Russian Premier League matches this season.
The fact that he is the captain of his national team shows his leadership skills, and that character and mentality could be crucial in Newcastle’s bid to avoid being involved in a relegation battle in the second-half of the campaign.
Price tag
Newcastle boss Benitez may not have as much money as he would have liked to spend this month with a proposed takeover looking unlikely to go through any time soon, but he would still hope that he could compete with West Ham for the £15m signing of Smolov.
The Magpies look to need a new centre-forward this month – especially if Aleksandar Mitrovic departs and if Joselu’s poor run of form continues – and if they can get a strong international player with a decent goalscoring record for £15m in the current market, the Spanish boss must convince Mike Ashley to give him the money to get a deal done.
Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.
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