Nigeria striker Shola Ameobi could find himself offloaded by Newcastle United before the start of the new EPL season.
The long-serving striker remains on a list of players who have been made surplus to requirements by new director of football Joe Kinnear.
The Chronicle understands that Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough are possible suitors for Ameobi’s signature this summer.
But while manager Pardew was happy to offer Ameobi a new deal last term, the striker wanted to consider other options, with regular first-team football on his wish-list as he moves into the latter stages of his career.
It is believed that Ameobi’s departure would shave around £22,000 a week off Newcastle’s weekly wage bill.
And although Championship clubs wouldn’t be able to offer Ameobi that type of wage, they would be able to give him the security of a longer deal.
His current contract expires at the end of the coming season.
United remain in the hunt for two strikers this summer, but Kinnear has made no secret of the fact that there would be tough decisions to be made on the outgoing front. And that means that United could bring the curtain down on Ameobi’s 13-year career at St James’ Park.
Indeed, on his arrival Kinnear admitted that he would carry out a thorough review of the “strengths and weaknesses” at United.
The director of football has already sanctioned the exit of utility man James Perch, who signed for Championship side Wigan Athletic. And Newcastle’s quest for a new central defender may also trigger a
