Napoli and Real Sociedad are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez.

The 24-year-old, who improved under manager Rafael Benitez throughout last season, ended up as the club's top scorer, with eight Premier League goals in 28 starts.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spaniard's rise at Newcastle has sparked renewed interest from Real Sociedad, who enquired about Perez while the Magpies were in the Championship.

However, the newspaper concedes that any potential deal for Perez would be difficult to agree on because the striker is "essential" to Newcastle's squad and Benitez rates the striker highly at St James' Park.

Perez, who joined Newcastle from Tenerife, has recently spoken of the "unbelievable" atmosphere at the club following last season's 10th-placed Premier League finish.