Aston Villa have entered the race to sign Newcastle United target Islam Slimani, who currently plies his trade for Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. The Daily Mirror claim that Villa are looking at a number of targets to replace Christian Benteke, and that the 27-year-old Algerian international is one of those. West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and Leicester City have also been cited as potential destinations for Slimani this summer, with Newcastle being the sixth Premier League club supposedly interested in bringing the striker to the Premier League. Aleksandar Mitrovic has already signed for the Magpies this summer, but a move for Slimani seems to be an additional option as head coach Steve McClaren continues to bolster his squad. Having started his career at JSM Cherage, Slimani moved to CR Belouizdad in 2009 - a club where he spent four years before Sporting took him to Portugal. Impressively, Slimani has netted 25 goals in 63 games for the Portuguese giants over the last two seasons - including 15 in 33 during the 2014-15 campaign. The 27-year-old has also been capped 37 times by Algeria and has scored an impressive 15 goals for his country, including twice at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and once at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Throughout his club career Slimani has returned a total of 70 goals in 165 league appearances for JSM Cheraga, CR Belouizdad and Sporting. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.