Newcastle launch Luis Suarez enquiry after Sporting Lisbon heroics - Report

Whatever happens with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa next season, Newcastle United could certainly do with another striker through the door.

Eddie Howe has seen his side starved of goals this season as his £124 million additions haven't delivered the goods.

We can all sit here and point fingers as to why that's been the case, but the reality is, even if both strikers remain at the club next season, which is still a strong possibility, it would be foolish if Newcastle didn't add another option just in case this wasn't a one-off season.

Will Osula is currently the first-choice up front. He is scoring goals and appears to have earned himself a spot in next season's squad after it looked like he would leave last summer.

That gives Eddie Howe three strikers to choose from, but a fourth would give him extra depth and the opportunity to play with two up top if he would dare be so bold.

Luis Suarez still being monitored by Newcastle?

One forward Newcastle have been linked with in the past is Sporting's, Luiz Suarez. The Colombian was brought in to replace Viktor Gyokeres after his switch to Arsenal, and it's safe to say he's done a good job of it.

Suarez has scored 35 goals for Sporting this season in 50 appearances with nine assists to bolster his numbers, and as a result, he has caught the attention of several clubs around Europe.

Portuguese outlet Record names Newcastle as one of the more serious suitors, having made enquiries about the 28-year-old. Although the report does state that no official approach has been made.

Sporting are said to not be panicking as they have a £69 million release clause in place and they see no reason to negotiate.

It's an exciting rumour but we don't see it happening

In any league, 35 goals in a season is not to be sniffed at. It's worth noting that five of those goals came in the Champions League, so he's not just shining in Liga Portugal.

There are a couple of things that make us feel Newcastle might look elsewhere, though.

The fact that Luis Suarez is 28 does make us think he may be out of the scope of Ross Wilson's preferred recruitment strategy.

More crucially, though, is the £69m release clause. Sporting knows they have that and have no reason to negotiate, and we've already been made aware that the club doesn't intend to make any 'showbiz' signings, as they called them.

Rumour Rating: 4/10 - We believe the interest is genuine and he definitely looks like he would be a good addition to the team, but price and age make this one unlikely for us.