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.
[SBNATION]