Islam Slimani has become the bookmakers favorites to sign for Newcastle United over the winter transfer window.

The Magpies have overtaken Besiktas as favorites to land the Algeria international.

“We’ve seen a wave of bets over the last 24 hours and that suggests that Rafa Benitez is closing in on finally getting that striker that he craves,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.

Besiktas have slipped to 5/2 in the betting.

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The Blues meanwhile who are frantically searching for a new forward – are priced as an outside bet at 8/1.

Chelsea have also been closely linked with Slimani as they continue efforts to sign a new forward.

Besiktas have made signing a new forward a priority after selling Cenk Tosun to Everton in January.

The latest developments will come as a blow to the reigning Super Lig champions.

Sources close to Besiktas informed Turkish-Football Slimani and West Ham forward Javier Hernandez had been identified as the two main targets.

The Istanbul giants want Slimani on loan until the end of the season with a buyout clause option.

Slimani has been promised first-team football and the chance to compete in the Champions League Last 16 against Bayern Munich.

Last Thursday a total of 75% of all bets over the last 24 hours have been placed on Slimani making a move to the Black Eagles.

The surge of bets has been replicated in the odds of Slimani’s next destination, with his odds to move to Besiktas crashing from 14/1 to 6/5 according to Oddschecker.

The Foxes meanwhile are keen on selling the 29-year-old on a permanent deal.