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Tue 20 June 2017 8:04, UK

By Derek Smithson

Newcastle believe they have won the race to sign Porto striker Vincent Aboubakar, according to a report.

The Daily Express claim that the Magpies are confident of signing the 25-year-old and that the deal could be completed this week.

It is understood that the £9million-rated forward was set to join Rennes, but Rafael Benitez’s side hijacked the move and appear to have won the battle.

The report details that French club Rennes were unable to compete with the staggering £2.5million annual wages that Newcastle are prepared to offer.

Aboubakar has been with Portuguese giants Porto since 2014, but was loaned out to Besiktas last season.

The Cameroon international made 38 appearances for the Turkish club during the last campaign and was in great goalscoring form.

He managed 19 goals across all competitions and three of them came in the Champions League.

Aboubakar will be competing alongside the likes of Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez if he completes his move to St James’ Park.

Football Insider verdict:

Benitez certainly needs to bolster his frontline with some firepower during the summer transfer window and Aboubakar could turn out to be a brilliant addition. The 25-year-old is a powerful striker that looks tailor-made for the Premier League and could boost the Magpies’ survival hopes next season. He is a proven goalscorer at a high level and his 19 goals across all competitions last season suggests he is entering his peak. Aboubakar also has 49 international caps for his country and has managed 14 goals in return. Newcastle can’t be reliant solely on Dwight Gayle next season for his qualities in front of goal and Aboubakar should help share the responsibility.

In other Newcastle transfer news, a Championship club are set to rival them for a teenage goal sensation.

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