Nicklas Bendtner

Premier League side Newcastle United have been linked to several strikers as the transfer window reaches a third of its lifeline already. The market has generally been dull as the focus has largely shifted to the ongoing World Cup in Russia.

So far United have only converted Martin Dubravka from a temporary staff to a permanent player. While there are still developing stories around takeover talks, Lyon forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move to St James Park this summer.

Rafa Benitez and the Magpies team are keen on the 20-year old highly rated player. They could face competition for the signature of the youngster having impressed on loan at Le Havre last season.

The club was initially linked with a move for West Brom star Salomon Rondon but the costs for the player seem much. The player wants sign on fees aside good personal terms and agent fees. His £16.5 million release clause plus all these push the fee above the budget of Newcastle. Benitez is aware that he might not get more than £30 to 40 million to spend on transfers so he does not want to spend that much on just Rondon.

Benitez, who is reportedly not taking a holiday, is also looking at selling off Chancel Mbemba and MatzSels to raise funds.

Aside Mateta, there have been expression of interests and possibly bids for Club Brugge man Anthony Limbombe and OguzhanOyzakup. Oyzakup’s release clause at Besiktas is £9 million and Newcastle are willing to trigger it and bring the player to England this summer.

There are also mentions that Newcastle could battle league rivals Huddersfield to get £13 million-quoted Limbombe. The Belgian side is likely to release the player to the side with a higher bid. For now Newcastle are yet to submit their bid officially.