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Newcastle United: Slimani may offer a solution at striker

By Roy Emanuel

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Islam Slimani of Leicester City and David Luiz of Chelsea battle for possession during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea at The King Power Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Islam Slimani of Leicester City and David Luiz of Chelsea battle for possession during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea at The King Power Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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Something must be done in the next transfer window, and Newcastle have to improve the attack.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez will take the current international break as a time to work towards solutions, as two consecutive losses and an ineffective attack have the mood quite dire at St. James’ Park. The January transfer window will offer an opportunity to bring on a new striker, and the Magpies may find help from Leicester City.

Forward Islam Slimani is in his second season at the King Power Stadium, but has been unable to truly make his mark on the squad. The Algerian international has scored seven Premier League goals for the Foxes, all in the 2016-17 campaign.

Slimani was expected to partner with Jamie Vardy at the top of Leicester’s line-up, and provide depth for their first run in the UEFA Champions League.

Instead, he has struggled for consistent playing time and does not appear to be a part of manager Claude Puel’s future plans.

At his best, Slimani is a potent striker with size and a great touch on the ball. His time in Portugal with Sporting CP was prolific, netting 48 goals in 82 appearances.

But what might it take for Benitez to add him? Leicester paid a reported £28 million for his services, a club-record signing.

Interest was present this past summer from Newcastle and others for Slimani, but a deal never did materialise.

Risk and reward

Ultimately, it would be wise for United to at least explore the possibility of making the move happen. The attack is in abysmal form, as both Joselu and Dwight Gayle were unable to break down the Bournemouth defence last weekend.

Ayoze Perez’s unique role does not yield many goals, while it seems that Aleksandar Mitrovic is being kept from the pitch at all costs.

Benitez could use Slimani. And considering his situation at Leicester, Slimani could use the Magpies also.

Next: Reports: Newcastle targeting midfielder Miguel Almiron

Newcastle United’s attack must improve in the near future. The club could receive a significant boost if they sign Islam Slimani in January.