Red Bull Salzburg striker could be a Premier League Magpie

Newcastle United’s pursuit of cut-price reinforcements could take them to Austria and Europa League surprise package Red Bull Salzburg.

The club, who are backed by the company behind the popular energy drink, cruised through the group stages of the competition last season before seeing off Eredivisie champions Ajax in some style over two legs.

Striker Jonathan Soriano was their undoubted star of the tournament, finishing as the competition’s top scorer with eight goals including a memorable long-range strike against the Dutch giants.

The 29-year-old has spent much of his career in the lower reaches of Spanish football before moving to Salzburg where he has proven to be a scoring sensation.

And with Toon owner Mike Ashley keen to maintain the club’s current policy of buying low-cost out-of-the-box alternatives, Soriano could be the next player to arrive at St James’ Park.

A former Barcelona B team player, the Spaniard will provide some much needed competition to Papiss Cisse with Newcastle desperate to recruit more forwards this summer following the release of Shola Ameobi.

Loic Remy, meanwhile, looks unlikely to return to Tyneside with the Frenchman linked with a permanent move from Queens Park Rangers to Arsenal.

Much could depend on the former Marseille man’s performances at the World Cup, with Remy picked as part of the France squad for the finals.

Recent performances have been mixed though and with Didier Deschamps preferring to play the striker out wide, Remy is in danger of missing out in favour of Antoine Griezmann, who impressed when coming on against Paraguay, scoring for Les Bleus in the 1-1 draw.

In the meantime, Newcastle are keen to complete a deal for Soriano ahead of the World Cup, with the Magpies also thought to be considering a bid for Leeds United forward Ross McCormack.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.