And Wigan Athletic are now favourites to land the forward, who spent the second half of last season at St James's Park after joining on a free transfer, though West Ham are also interested in him.

Lovenkrands – who scored three goals for Newcastle in 12 appearances – had hoped to win a permanent deal at St James's Park.

But last month he was sent a letter telling him not to report back to the club's Benton HQ for pre-season training, leaving him in no doubt where he stood.

"Peter got a letter telling him not to come back, and he was devastated," said a source close to Lovenkrands.

"While being relegated was a painful experience for Peter, he loved playing for Newcastle United's fans, and was hoping to talk about a new deal.

"Now he knows he will be playing his football elsewhere next season, unless something dramatic happens at St James's Park."

Lovenkrands – who joined United in January after being released by Schalke 04 – is also understood to be a target of Sunderland.

But new Stadium of Light manager Steve Bruce is yet to make a move for the versatile player, who can play up front or on the wing.

The former Denmark international became a cult favourite with Newcastle's fans, who coined the "signed on a free, from Germany" song after seeing him open his account on his full debut away to West Bromwich Albion.