Rafael Benitez 'prioritises striker' for Newcastle United

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has made signing a proven striker his top priority this summer as he prepares the club for life in the Championship.

According to The Chronicle, Benitez has submitted a "long list of targets" to managing director Lee Charnley and is thought to be looking for someone with experience and goals to his name rather than "the next Ayoze Perez".

Among those linked with the club are Chelsea's Patrick Bamford, who struggled to break through in loan spells at Crystal Palace and Norwich City last term but excelled for Middlesbrough in the Championship the season prior, as well as Fulham's Ross McCormack and Lee Tomlin of Bournemouth.

The Magpies have also been linked with young Tenerife striker Nano, who scored 14 goals in 35 appearances last term, but at the age of just 21 he is not thought to fit Benitez's profile.

Newcastle were relegated to the second tier for the first time in six seasons courtesy of an 18th-place finish in the Premier League last season.