Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Arsenal striker Lucas Perez but it is thought the £13.4m valuation could be a stumbling block.

The 28-year-old forward is believed to have attracted the interest of Magpies boss Rafa Benitez but at present the north east outfit are not thought to have made a formal move for the Spaniard.

Deportivo La Coruna had a bid of £9m rejected for the player, who is expected to find game time hard to come by at the Emirates this season, especially with France international Alexandre Lacazette making the switch from Lyon earlier in the summer.

Newcastle are eager to bolster their attacking options at St James' Park but have been reluctant so far to splash the cash on a goalscorer.

Perez and Liverpool forward Danny Ings are both thought to be options for Benitez but a lack of funds could be a major issue.