Belgian news outlet Het Nieuwsblad have reported that Newcastle United could join a host of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Dries Mertens.

Mertens currently plays for Italian side Napoli, and since joining in 2013 has scored 41 Serie A goals in just over 120 matches.

This season he's found the net 24 times in all competitions as Napoli sit in third place in Italy's top division.

The Belgian has attracted the attentions of a number of English clubs, with West Ham, Crystal Palace and even Jose Mourinho's Manchester United rumoured to be interested in Mertens' services.

The 29-year-old began his career in Holland with FC Utrecht, before moving to fellow Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in 2011.

It was after two years at PSV, Mertens moved to Italy to join his current side Napoli.

Newcastle have had a great season in the Championship, they are top of the table heading into the final run of games, six points clear of third placed Huddersfield.

It's likely that the Magpies will be back in the Premier League next season, so they could challenge the other top flight clubs in the race to sign Mertens.

Newcastle fans... Would you like to see Dries Mertens at St James Park? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!