Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is working the Italian market ahead of the January transfer window.

The Evening Chronicle says Newcastle have launched a series of Serie A scouting missions.

The Magpies want to bolster their squad and Rafa Benitez has sent talent spotters across Europe as he looks to bring in attacking reinforcements, with a winger and a forward at the top of his list.

United checked out recent Serie A games at Inter Milan recently and had a scout at Udinese's home game with Milan as they continue to do reconaissance ahead of January's critical transfer window. They also carried out checks on Genoa, where Poland striker Krzysztof Piatek has scored nine times in 10 games since his summer move from Cracovia.

Benitez is understood to have requested Premier League experience in recent transfer meetings to give Newcastle an instant boost but European options could be key once again.