Newcastle United and Man Utd 'lead the race' for 17-goal striker with 'affordable' release clause

Newcastle United's bid to add to their attacking ranks has reportedly led to Magpies recruitment staff assessing one of the Bundesliga's most in-form strikers.

England captain Harry Kane has enjoyed a remarkable start to life in Germany after plundering his way to 18 goals in his first 12 Bundesliga appearances for reigning champions Bayern Munich - and it is the man sat just two goals shy of the former Tottenham Hotspur striker that has come under the Magpies gaze.

Stuttgart frontman Serhou Guirassy has 17 goals in 12 appearances in all competitions so far this season, with all but one of those strikes coming in the Bundesliga. His form in front of goal has played a major part in helping Die Schwaben made an unlikely early push for a place in next season's Champions League and they will hope to continue their impressive form with a home win against Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday afternoon.

Guirassy will lead the line once again and he will head into the game on the back on increased speculation over his future at the MHP Arena. Football Insider have claimed Newcastle and Manchester United are 'now in pole position' to land the striker during the January transfer window and could take advantage of a reported £15m release clause in his current contract.

Intriguingly, Guirassy has already opened up on his thoughts over a move to England and admitted he would 'not close any doors', despite conceding he was enjoying Stuttgart's positive start to the season.

Speaking to The Guardian in October, he said: “I cannot hide these things, everyone knows the Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. But at this time I don’t close any doors. There are some very big teams in Europe and it’s not focused only on the Premier League. At Stuttgart, we have such a good team and everything is possible in football. If we can continue to be humble like we have been so far then we have a good chance.”