Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is somebody Newcastle United have to consider this summer, believes journalist Dean Jones.

The Tyneside club are likely to be in the market for a No.9 after failing to land most of their forward targets in January, while Lukaku's future at Stamford Bridge seems far from certain.

Which strikers did Newcastle target in the last transfer window?

Eddie Howe was able to bring in Chris Wood from Burnley to strengthen his frontline but quite clearly wanted more.

As per Sky Sports, the Englishman missed out on Reims youngster Hugo Ekitike after the 19-year-old decided to remain in France, while Atalanta's Duvan Zapata is another forward who they looked at.

Lukaku was not an option at the time, but you suspect that some European giants or any outfit aspiring to become one like Newcastle may ask Chelsea the question in the summer.

The Belgian forward has not been happy at Stamford Bridge, expressing that discontent in an interview with Sky Italia (via Sky Sports) earlier this season, and has lost his place in Thomas Tuchel's starting XI to Kai Havertz.

Chelsea's Champions League hero got the nod again over his team-mate in the Blues' recent 4-0 win against Burnley, scoring twice to repay the faith shown in him by his manager.

Get Lukaku OUT NOW! Chelsea fan fumes on The Football Terrace...

What has Jones said about Lukaku and Newcastle?

Given the calibre of striker Lukaku is and his current predicament in west London, Jones thinks Newcastle have to consider making a move for him when the transfer window reopens.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the insider said: "I think Lukaku has to become somebody that they consider because there aren't many strikers in that tier that are going to one, become available and two, be wanting to join you."

Should Newcastle put Lukaku on their shortlist?

Without question. It is starting to look like a real possibility that Lukaku, who has been described as a "powerhouse" by team-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, could become available despite only joining Chelsea last summer in a massive £97.5m deal.

He has obviously had his struggles this season, scoring just five goals in 17 league appearances. However, that has arguably been down to him being unsettled rather than his ability. His overall track record is phenomenal, with the Belgium international really thriving during his time at Inter Milan.

There, Lukaku registered an impressive 64 times in 95 appearances before returning to Stamford Bridge. It is hard to believe he has lost that kind of ability over night.

Ultimately, if things do not improve with Tuchel, then it could be time for a change of scenery. And Newcastle quite clearly have the funds to facilitate that.