Newcastle United to break record for Islam Slimani?

Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to break their club transfer record this month in order to secure the services of Leicester City striker Islam Slimani.

The 29-year-old is available for transfer this month, having made just two Premier League starts for the Foxes all season, and has been linked with a surprise loan switch to Chelsea as backup for Alvaro Morata.

According to The Mirror, Magpies manager Rafael Benitez has placed the Algerian "high" on his transfer wishlist and the club are prepared to meet Leicester's £20m valuation of the player.

The figure would eclipse Newcastle's 12-year old transfer record - the £16.8m they paid to bring in Michael Owen from Real Madrid in 2005.

Benitez is believed to have severely limited funds at his disposal this month as owner Mike Ashley attempts to sell the club, although it is thought that a potential move for Slimani would be funded by selling off players such as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jonjo Shelvey.

Newcastle completed their first piece of transfer business yesterday when they signed Blues forward Kenedy on a half-season loan.