Abel Hernandez Dreams of Move to Newcastle United or Real Madrid

Palermo striker Abel Hernandez is ready to leave Serie A – and has identified Newcastle United as one of his dream destinations.

The 23-year-old has previously been linked with moves to both Arsenal and Tottenham and was largely expected to leave the Rosanero during the summer after they were relegated to the second tier of Italian football at the end of last season.

But Hernandez has since announced his plans to leave the club at the end of the current season, identifying three possible destinations.

"I dream of Newcastle, Real or Atletico for the future," Hernandez was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"(In the summer) I decided to stay because I owned it to (Palermo owner) Maurizio Zamparini and the fans."

Hernandez arrived in Italy as a highly rated teenager but a number of injuries has somewhat stalled his development.

The former Penarol youngster joined Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez at the forefront of Uruguay's attack during last year's Confederations Cup, but despite scoring 12 goals for Palermo this season, his standing in Serie B suggests he may be overlooked by national team manager Oscar Tabarez ahead of this summer's World Cup.

Newcastle's failings in both of the summer and winter transfer windows where exemplified by the decision that saw Yohan Cabaye sold to Paris Saint Germain with no replacement brought in. As a direct result, the Magpies parted ways with former Director of Football Joe Kinnear, who had presided over the club's transfer business.

The former Newcastle manager did secure a deal for Holland international Luuk de Jong, but the striker is only on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach until the end of the season.

While Loic Remy has led Alan Pardew's front line successfully this season with 11 Premier League goals, the Frenchman is also at St James' Park on a temporary basis.

The club's other forward options of Yoan Gouffran, Papiss Cisse and Shola Ameobi have mustered a meagre seven goals between them all season, suggesting Alan Pardew may be open to new recruits during the summer.