Newcastle want Eran Zahavi transfer as Rafa Benitez looks to solve Toon’s lack of fire-power

RAFA BENITEZ has identified Israel international Eran Zahavi as a potential answer to Newcastle’s goalscoring problems.

Zahavi, 28, has run up 117 goals in his last three campaigns for Maccabi Tel Aviv – typically operating as a number 10, rather than an out-and-out striker.

Israel’s Eran Zahavi has emerged as a Newcastle transfer target this summer

Last season, he scored 48 in 55 matches for Maccabi, including eight from the 11 Champions League qualifying and group-stage matches.

Benitez is understood to have sounded out Zahavi’s interest in playing in England. Maccabi are expected to demand a high fee for their captain, who has also attracted attention from Ajax and the Chinese Super League.

The Newcastle manager has found success signing Israeli footballers in the past, bringing Yossi Benayoun to Liverpool from West Ham in 2007.

Newcastle target Eran Zahavi skips over a challenge from Chelsea‘s Kurt Zouma