According to the Chronicle, the Toon boss is considering an offer for Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan.
The 22-year-old is allegedly "unhappy" at Old Trafford with two years left of his current deal.
The right-winger has made just 14 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils in two years.
Sir Alex Ferguson signed Obertan from Bordeux two years ago on a four-year deal for £3million.
Obertan has played on Man U’s trip to the US – scoring in the 7-0 win over Seattle – but his last appearance for Ferguson’s side came last season in the 2-1 win at West Brom.