Ayoze Perez again shows why Newcastle United must resist bids from Napoli and Real Betis

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Ayoze Perez’s good form continued at the weekend as he scored in Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Perez opened the scoring in the game and took his season tally to 12. He has now matched his best ever goal return at Newcastle.

And with 11 Premier League goals, he now has more league strikes than he ever has before.

Perez has had his critics in the past – including earlier this season – but he has answered them with impressive performances recently.

Operating as the second striker alongside Salomon Rondon, the Spaniard has thrived. And his goal against Brighton was typical of how Rafa Benitez’s game plan works.

Rondon provided the physical presence and knocked the ball down for Perez, who applied the finishing touch.

But the Magpies face a battle to keep Perez this summer. According to Calciomercato, Real Betis and Napoli are set to go head to head in the battle for Perez.

The ex-Tenerife striker is tempted by an exit. According to The Mirror, Perez has hinted at an exit this summer.

But Newcastle must do all they can to keep the 25-year-old at the club. It would be a real statement of intent if the club insists he is not for sale.

Rafa Benitez wants the club to match his ambition and keeping Perez this summer would be a good move for Newcastle.