According to Belgian outlet HLN, Newcastle are lining up a summer swoop for Gent winger Moses Simon.

What’s the story?

The Magpies were present to watch Simon in action when Nigeria played Serbia last week.

While many suspected the club were there purely to check in on Aleksandar Mitrović, the report claims they also had a presence at Nigeria’s friendly against Sweden.

Rafa Benitez is desperate to keep hold of Kenedy this summer, but Simon’s versatility could give extra options across the front three whether the Brazilian sticks around or not.

HLN claims the player is aware of Newcastle’s interest and is dreaming of a move to the Premier League.

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Good addition for Newcastle?

Valued at £4.5million by Transfermarkt, Simon is great with both feet, and can play anywhere across the front three, meaning Benitez could potentially partner the Nigerian international with the likes of Kenedy and Dwight Gayle.

His most appealing trait is his blistering pace, which coupled with his direct dribbling style has wowed spectators in Belgium this season.

The 22 year-old is still a little raw, and will need to improve his end product, though he has managed five goals and two assists in 20 league games this season.

At just 22, there is still plenty of room for improvement for Simon, who has already earned 16 international caps for Nigeria. His contract will enter its last year this summer, meaning a move for the winger would not be a particularly pricey one.

While he is not going to transform the Magpies’ attack, Simon could be a great long-term signing and a versatile cog in Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle machine.

Newcastle fans, would you like to see a move for Simon this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…