Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez remains hopeful of signing Arsenal striker Lucas Perez.

The Mirror says Benitez is continuing to monitor Perez.

The Newcastle boss is desperate to land a striker before they return to the Premier League at home to Spurs next weekend.

Spaniard Perez has failed to break into the Gunners first team since arriving from Deportivo 12 months ago, and is keen to leave in his quest for regular action.

He has been linked with a return to La Liga with both Deportivo and Sevilla keen, but Benitez admits he would like to take him to Tyneside.