Newcastle plot deal for Southampton striker

Newcastle United are reportedly considering an approach for Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez after the South Coast club placed him on the transfer market.

The one-time England international has struggled to make a key impression with the Saints ever since his anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2014, and this has seen him drop down the pecking order.

Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long are currently the preferred options in the striking department and the injury comeback of Charlie Austin is likely to spend an end to Rodriguez's Saints career.

According to The Star, the Magpies are mulling over a summer move for the England striker, who was once tipped to make the Three Lions squad for the 2014 World Cup.

Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez had impressed for the Tyneside outfit during the Championship triumph, but this won't limit Rafa Benitez from spending reasonably in key departments of his squad.

Rodriguez has netted five goals in 28 outings across all competitions for Southampton this term.