DAVID CUFFLEY Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi remains a target for the Canaries. Manager Glenn Roeder was unsuccessful in his bid to sign the 26-year-old Nigerian-born forward on loan when he first took over at Carrow Road.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi remains a target for the Canaries.

Manager Glenn Roeder was unsuccessful in his bid to sign the 26-year-old Nigerian-born forward on loan when he first took over at Carrow Road.

But after reports yesterday of a fresh bid being planned in the new year, Roeder admitted: “I would love to get Ameobi here, but I don't know if we could pull that one off.

“I'm not in any contact with them, but getting Shola Ameobi would be a major coup for this club.”

Ameobi has made just six appearances for Newcastle this season.

“I'm just amazed he doesn't figure in Sam Allardyce's plans,” said Roeder.

One stumbling block to Ameobi's release could be the involvement of Newcastle's Obafemi Martins in the African Nations Cup in the new year, representing Nigeria.