... Wilfried Zaha this summer in a bid to inject some fresh attacking impetus into his side.
But the player has been HAMMERED in recent weeks for his lack of effort by TV pundits, with Alan Shearer the most critical.
Shearer said two weeks ago: "He doesn't make the effort, stands watching while others do the graft. That's why he hasn't made it at Old Trafford."
NU-Mad understands that Pardew could be interested in signing the 21-year-old on a cut-price deal from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are set to offload the ex-Crystal Palace star this summer.
They paid £10million for his services in January 2013 but he has made just two appearances for Man United, with most of the last 18 months spent on loan at either Palace or Cardiff City; he has also failed to win a regular place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.
United were linked with Zaha before he signed for the Old Trafford club but were put off by the hefty price tag.
Pardew is a big a fan of Zaha and his solid contacts at Selhurst Park have meant he has always been kept aware of the winger’s progress.
Zaha - who has two full caps for England - could be available for a knockdown price of £7million.