From an exclusive report by The Sun, Newcastle United have turned their focus to Maccabi Tel Aviv and Israeli international, Eran Zahavi in their search for a striker.

Since relegation to the Championship, both Aleksander Mitrovic and Georginio Wijnaldum have been strongly linked with moves away from St James' Park.

Their lack of firepower was a sewing motif amid their relegation to the Championship, with manager Rafa Benitez reportedly ramping up attempts to draft in a proven goalscorer.

With transfers looking inevitable, the Magpies have started searching for a striker early and the North East club has been linked with a number of forwards including Ross McCormack and Dwight Gayle.

However, it is claimed Benitez has opted to look further afield.

The former Valencia and Real Madrid coach is said to have looked in Spain at Tenerife striker Nano and now the prolific Israeli striker, Eran Zahavi.

In three seasons, the 28-year old has scored a staggering 117 goals for the Israeli giants.

With experience in the Champions League and also internationally, he has a proven track record as a natural goal scorer and could be the ideal signing for the Toon Army.

Will Newcastle United storm the Championship next season?