With goals lacking so far this season, Benitez will be looking to add a striker in the New Year – but who will be on his shopping list?

Reporter NEWCASTLE United’s lack of firepower is now beginning to cause the Magpies problems after another dry spell in front of goal.

Rafa Benitez’s side lost 1-0 to Bournemouth on Saturday and despite having 16 shots at goal, could not find the back of the net.

That now leaves Benitez’s side with just one win in the last six games and the decision not to provide the Spaniard with a top quality striker – as he demanded in the summer – is now looking like a major mistake.

United have only scored 10 goals this season with Jamaal Lascelles and Joselu the team’s top scorers with two goals a piece.

Benitez will be looking towards January to solve the problem and will be hoping that Mike Ashley, if still owner of the club, provides the necessary funds to get a striker in who can fire the Magpies’ to safety.

Here’s five forwards he could target this January.

Cenk Tosun

Newcastle have watched him on several occasions and as he continues to bang in the goals for both Besiktas and Turkey his stock will continue to rise.

He’s got nine goals so far this season which adds to his tally of 24

Islam Slimani

Was one of Leicester City’s big money signings after winning the Premier League and it hasn’t quite worked for the Algerian

goals from last year. Those in charge at Besiktas are holding out for a big price before cashing in on the 26-year-old (pictured), and at a reported asking price of more than £20 million, it would certainly be a gamble by Benitez.