With Mark Viduka already expected to miss the start of the new campaign with an Achilles injury and Shola Ameobi set to leave the club after his wedding later this month, Newcastle's attacking resources are already in danger of being stretched.Should United sign Crouch, it would almost certainly mean the end of Alan
Smith's Newcastle career. The former Manchester United forward only moved to Newcastle last summer because he wanted to start more games in the Premier League, but he is no longer guaranteed a place in the side and would see the arrival of Crouch as another setback as he tries to rebuild his reputation after a poor first year on Tyneside.
Keegan is also keen on Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise.
Emre is set to complete a £3m move back to his homeland with Fenerbahçe this week, so Keegan has removed one of the highest earners from the wage bill - the Turkish midfielder was paid £55,000 a week.
And news from SJP suggests that means he can invest the money quickly in Riise.
The Norwegian international has played almost 250 games for Liverpool, but he is still only 27 and would be an impressive signing at St James's Park given his Champions League pedigree.