Newcastle United Keeping Tabs on Atlanta United Striker Josef Martinez

Newcastle United could be lining up another January raid on Atlanta United, this time for Venezuelan goalscoring machine Josef Martinez.

The 26-year-old managed to find the net in 15 consecutive games at the tail end of last season in MLS, six shy of Lionel Messi's all-time record of 21.

His goals would be very much welcomed on Tyneside, and the Magpies have previous when it comes to Martinez's current employers.

Miguel Almirón from Atlanta last January for a then club-record fee of £20m.

And now it's thought the Magpies are again ready to make a move across the pond to land Martinez who netted 28 times in 32 games for Atlanta in 2019. 

It's those kind of figures that have alerted Steve Bruce to Martinez and ​Newcastle scout Steve Nickson is keeping tabs on the Venezuelan's goalscoring exploits, according to the Newcastle Chronicle,

If the South American were to make the switch, Toon fans would be hoping he made more of an immediate impact than Almirón, who struggled to adapt to life in the ​Premier League.

Following his move last January, Almirón went 10 months without registering on the scoresheet. but he finally put the hoodoo to bed when he notched the winner against Crystal Palace at home in the league in December.

That strike sent the St James' faithful into overdrive and the Paraguayan has scored three times since to instil renewed optimism that he can fulfil his promise.

Almirón may have finally found his feet on Tyneside, but Bruce's need for a striker is an alarming one, as Joelinton has also found life in the English top-flight tough.

The man who eclipsed Almirón's transfer fee when he moved from ​Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for £40m in the summer has only scored once in 24 Premier League games.

Perhaps Martinez is the answer. He could rekindle his relationship with Almirón that saw the two lift the MLS Cup during their time together at Atlanta.