Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is reportedly ready to make an audacious bid for Roma forward Bojan Krkić in an attempt to fill the clubs much heralded number nine shirt.

The Magpies received £35 million for Andy Carroll in January but have yet to reinvest it in a replacement with current top scorer Demba Ba signing for free in the summer.

Ba and Leon Best are currently shouldering the striking burden as Newcastle look to cement their surprise top three position during the festive period but the Senegal international will be leaving for the African Nations Cup in January.

Pardew has now earmarked former Barcelona star Bojan to fill the void and become the clubs new number nine despite the Spaniard only joining Roma in the summer for €12 million.

His career at the Stadio Olimpico has yet to get fully underway and rumours that head coach Luis Enrique is prepared to let the striker leave are gathering pace.

The 21-year-old fits into the current transfer philosophy employed at St James’ Park with owner Mike Ashley demanding young players holding a potential re-sale value.

Whether Bojan would be prepared to make the move to Tyneside so soon after his move to Italy is unclear although it’s expected that Newcastle will test the waters with an early bid for his services.

1. Lister

   11:17 AM on November 12, 2011

   This is a total pack of fabricated rubbish. Bojan’s transfer to AS Roma is a complicated one – Barcelona must buy the player back in 2 years time for 13 million euros, however if Roma wish to stop this, they must pay an extra 24 million euros to keep Bojan.

   The transfer is essentially a 2 year loan, and the upfront money AS Roma paid was needed by Barcelona to afford Cesc Fabregas. As Luis Enrique, former Barcelona player and last season Barcelona ‘B’ coach, is the manager of Roma, it is safe to say there is nowhere Bojan will be going except back to Barcelona.

   The last place a player of his stature will go is Newcastle United. In 4 weeks, after NUFC have lost 3 on the bounce – they will once again be linked to the likes of Mobido Maiga, a serious step down.

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2. john

   7:53 PM on November 12, 2011

   well done Lister. any reason for having a go at Newcastle, bitter about something. The team is 3rd through a string of good performances which has resulted in the best defence in England and 1 of 10 unbeaten teams in Europe’s major leagues. They may not stay in the top 4 all season but are there on merit so why take this as a chance to have a childish, immature dig?

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