The Magpies have been linked with a move for Dinamo Zagreb foward Dion Drena Beljo

Newcastle United reported January transfer target Dion Drena Beljo has already revealed his desire to play in the Premier League - with the Magpies a dream move for the Croatian striker.

United have been linked with the 24-year-old Dinamo Zagreb forward as they look to give Matthias Jaissle's side some much-needed firepower.

The January window is notoriously difficult to do business in, but the iPaper report that Drena Beljo is on Newcastle's radar ahead of a potential mid-season move.

He has 13 goals in just 11 appearances for Zagreb in the Croatian league this season, and four goals in three Europa League games to date.

That includes finding the net against Sunderland in Zagreb's 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light earlier in November, following on from a brace against NEC Nimegen and a goal against Anderlecht.

But if his success against Sunderland is not enough to endear him to Newcastle fans, what he said about his favourite Premier League clubs back in 2022 should secure a place in their hearts.

When asked by Sky Germany about his future prospects four years ago he said: “I wouldn’t mind winning the Premier League either. I watch almost every game in England.

“The best players in the world play there. The Premier League is the best league in the world. Of course, there are Bayern, Paris and Real in the other leagues. But in England, there are so many teams with a lot of quality.

"The football there is very intense, but mainly I watch the games because I play a virtual manager game with my friends.

‘So, I have to keep an eye on everything there. I really enjoy that. Most recently Manchester United (are my favourite team) because of Cristiano Ronaldo, but there is another team that will surely surprise you: Newcastle United.

‘Because when I was a kid, I watched the film ‘Goal’ and the player in that film fulfilled his dream of a professional career at Newcastle.

"I think Newcastle will be even better in real life. Because of their financial power and their incredible fans.”

Newcastle are able to spend in the January transfer window, although they may also look to move some players on in order to avoid risking breaking financial rules come the end of June.

United signed Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the summer, but he is yet to show that he can play as a central striker, while Yoane Wissa and William Osula have just one goal each to their names so far.