But any move for Smith would hinge on the 30-year-old's fitness and wage demands after reportedly being told he can leave St James' Park.
Bates: "First of all it depends on whether the manager (Simon Grayson) wants him or not, which is his decision and not mine.
"Alan Smith returning to Elland Road would be a very popular move, but we have to be careful because unfortunately over the last few seasons Alan's had a pretty poor injury record and one thing we can't afford to do is sign somebody who is not fit to play.
"The other thing of course is Alan Smith's wages. He's been at Manchester United and Newcastle, so his wages are probably in the stratosphere, well over the seven-figure region, so I suspect if he did join us he would have to knock a nought off it and probably half it, which may not suit him or his agent.
"But on the other hand nothing is certain and nothing is uncertain.
"I can confirm we're certainly continuing our quest for the right players and if he was fit of course Alan would be a great addition to the squad, but that would need further consideration and investigation by Simon."
Smith moved to Newcastle for £6million in 2007, but was restricted to only 14 appearances last season due to an ankle injury.
A 'THANK YOU' TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season for page 'hits', and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
OFFER ENDS JUNE 10th 2011
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
From Antwerp to Zurich
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
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