Reports are suggesting that Newcastle could be ready to take full advantage of the supposed management troubles surrounding Blackburn Rovers by taking two of their biggest players in January.

The Magpies were on cloud nine a month ago as they enjoyed a spectacular start to the season, however a string of injuries have ensured that December has been a difficult time for the club and manager Alan Pardew is hoping some fresh faces will reignite their luck.

Christopher Samba has been associated with moves to Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool over the past two transfer windows but a transfer hasn’t materialised thus far.

However, Rovers find themselves battling against relegation from the very foot of the Premier League table and the Congolese international may be ready to move on.

David ‘Junior’ Hoilett is another star of the side who has been linked with several of the elite English clubs and would understandably be getting frustrated with Rovers’ predicament.

Steve Kean’s side claimed that they were close to tying the Canadian down to a new contract over the summer but an agreement was never reached, meaning the youngster’s current deal runs out in 18 months.

Despite the fact that Samba is contracted to the Lancashire club until 2015, it won’t detract sides from submitting bids for his services, as they know his resolve will be low after his club’s start to the 2011-12 campaign.

Alan Pardew showed the Tynesiders spending power over the summer, signing a host of European talent but may not be ready to stop there.

The club’s board will be impressed with the start Pardew has made to his management career at St. James’ Park and may give the helmsman the funds necessary to continue their assault on the European spots.

Club stalwart Steven Taylor was recently ruled out for the season, and Samba would be an ample replacement for the centre-back.

With morale low at Ewood Park, a £20m bid could be enough to tempt the club into selling two of their biggest performers.