Pardew insisted that the club are looking for at least two more players before the transfer window closes, with a striker and left-back topping their list.
Maiga has continually said that he wants a move to Newcastle this summer, but Sochaux have refused to deal with the north-east club.
The French side have gone so far as to report Newcastle to FIFA for illegally contacting the striker.
And now Pardew has told the Evening Chronicle "I have a Plan B".
Cole wouldn’t come cheap, with the 27-year-old demanding £50,000 a week in wages and £4.5 million plus add ons for a transfer fee.
But he is somewhat cheaper than alternative target Niklas Bendtner, who is said to be worth £7 million, and Pardew is becoming more desperate to settle the situation before the window closes.