Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is extremely keen on signing a new striker in the January transfer window, Daily Star reports.

The Magpies boss has been concerned over the fitness of Papiss Cisse, and will be looking to buy another centre-forward next month.

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However Newcastle received some good news with Siem de Jong's return to training, with the Dutchman sidelined since August after a thigh operation.

The lack of strikers made Pardew turn to youngster Ayoze Perez, and the Spaniard paid back his manager’s confidence by scoring four goals in eight league starts for the Toon Army.

"We have been absolutely reliant on him in a lot of ways," Pardew said.

"If you'd told me at the start of the season he'd be in this position, I'd have thought it unlikely but his physical improvement has been immense.

"He was already technically accomplished but whereas he was knocked off the ball far too easily when he first arrived, he's now holding his own in tight areas.

"Ayoze is not a natural goalscorer, more a natural forward, a bit like Wayne Rooney in that he can mix it in midfield and score goals.

"He did a couple of tricks against Sunderland that I don't think anyone else on the pitch could have produced."

Despite Perez’s form, the Newcastle boss is adamant he will need some support come January.

"We are still a striker light.

"Even when Siem De Jong returns, we'll need another one.

"Papiss, even taking away the flu he's been suffering from, he's still not right.

"He's not 100 per cent from his knee problem last season and you can see that in the way he plays.

"That's something we need to look at."

Newcastle will travel to Old Trafford and face Manchester United in their attempt to end their losing streak on Friday.

 

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