Newcastle switch striker sights after double setback

The Magpies are still desperate for attacking reinforcements this month despite scoring three times on Tuesday night against Manchester United.

And the Gazette understands that despite the double blow surrounding Remy and Dost, they remain confident of bringing in a striker in the next fortnight – with Saido Berahino still a target.

Former loan striker Remy was on Newcastle’s hitlist, with the Chelsea forward keen on a switch from Stamford Bridge this month in order to get regular football in the lead up to Euro 16.

However, Blues boss Guus Hiddink has insisted Remy – who scored 14 times in a previous spell with United – is going nowhere this month as he looks to get the best out of the Frenchman.

The Gazette understands that despite Hiddink’s comments, there is still a chance Remy will leave Chelsea this month, but any move is unlikely to be until the last throes of the transfer window, and Newcastle aren’t prepared to wait that long before bringing in a striker.

With their perilous position at the foot of the Premier League table, Newcastle need a striker in quick to capitalise on as many games as possible.

Another target, Wolfsburg hitman Dost, was yesterday ruled out for up to six weeks with a broken foot, scuppering any hopes of a bid for the Dutchman.

Dost has been extensively scouted by Graham Carr, and Newcastle tried to sign him in the summer but were unable to tempt him away from the German side, who qualified for the Champions League last season.

However, Dost has seen his playing time restricted this season, and was eyeing a move this month before he suffered the injury in Wolfsburg’s Portugal training camp.

“As things stand now we expect that Bas will require surgery,” Wolfsburg sports director Klaus Allofs said.

With Dost on the sidelines, it may open up an opportunity at Wolfsbrg for Nicklas Bendtner, who is believed to have been offered to Newcastle by his agent.

The former Arsenal striker – who had a season-long loan at Sunderland – has failed to make his mark in the Bundesliga this season and earned a rebuke from Wolfsburg head coach Dieter Hecking for reporting back out of shape.

Napoli’s Itay international Manolo Gabbiadini and West Brom frontman Berahino have also been linked with Newcastle, and odds on the latter joining Newcastle were slashed to 1/2 by some bookmakers yesterday.

Meanwhile, Cheick Tiote looks set to complete a move to Shanghai Shenhua after the Chinese side reportedly made a £8million bid for the midfielder.

The figure would represent fantastic business for the Magpies, with 29-year-old Tiote only having 18 months left on his contract.

The Ivorian cost £3.5million in 2010 when signing from FC Twente, but has struggled for form and fitness in the last two seasons.

Newcastle’s £17million swoop this week for Henri Saivet and Jonjo Shelvey means they are well covered in the centre of midfield, even though Tiote has started the last three games since Vurnon Anita’s injury.