Why Newcastle should move back in for this top goal-scoring talent:

Newcastle are renowned for producing and developing top striking talent. That’s why it’s so disappointing to see the Toon’s current crop of forwards flatter to deceive.

Shola Ameobi has hung around St James’ Park for some time, but never really managed to justify his existence. He’s a powerful presence and a great ball-winner, but he provides very little threat in front of goal. For an out-and-out striker, his goal-scoring return quite simply isn’t good enough.

When Alan Pardew first signed Papiss Demba Cisse, he looked like the answer to the club’s prayers. His first season in the Premier League was a revelation, as the Senegalese international fired in goals from all areas of the pitch. He also impressed with his build-up play and technical ability.

Unfortunately, he suffered a serious case of ‘second season syndrome’ and has struggled to find his form ever since. Where once he would have been icy-cool, nowadays, the sight of goal seems to send a shiver of fear down Cisse’s spine.

Only Loic Remy, who’s currently on loan from QPR (and as such, isn’t really a Newcastle player) carries any genuine threat. The Frenchman has excellent technique, confidence and knows how to find the back of the net. Whilst Newcastle haven’t exactly set the world alight this season, Remy has certainly helped to raise spirits around St James’ Park.

I can’t help but feel that the Magpies miss Demba Ba, a player who is being criminally under-used at Chelsea. It certainly doesn’t help that Alan Pardew keeps banging on about strikers he could have signed during the summer. Check out these recent quotes regarding Spurs striker Jermain Defoe:

“There was a little bit of interest from us [in the summer], but he is a Spurs player and I think he is doing a good job there. Whenever he is called upon, he scores… I worked with Jermain at West Ham and think he is a fantastic player. When the ball comes into him, whether it is left foot, right foot, he is hugely effective.” (Source: The Mirror)

Given the way that Spurs were spending money left, right and centre over the summer, I find it difficult to believe that they wouldn’t have let a peripheral player like Defoe go for the right price.

This is yet another case of Newcastle United shooting itself in the foot. The fans and sick and tired of being held back by a lack of ambition. It’s time for the top brass to see the reality of the situation.

In other words, it’s time to start backing Alan Pardew in the transfer market once more. A proven Premier League striker like Defoe is exactly what the club needs at this moment in time. He’ll still be available this January, so let’s see if Pardew is able to finalise a deal this time round.

What’s your take? Should Newcastle United go back in for Jermain Defoe?

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