The Magpies are hoping to take a step closer to signing a striker as a replacement for Demba Ba.
But their need for defensive reinforcements is also evident, with the backline that was so solid last season having shipped numerous goals this term.
Pardew did have a centre-half at the top of his shopping list this month, though Ba’s departure has meant a slight shift in focus.
However, NU-Mad understands that chief scout Graham Carr has been identifying possible defensive targets in France and Holland.