Newcastle will turn their attention to West Ham striker Modibo Maiga, if they fail to land Loic Remy, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

The Marseille man remains Alan Pardew’s first-choice January target as he looks to strengthen his attacking options, but a deal is far from being concluded.

This may force the Magpies to look for alternatives, and Maiga is thought to be seen as the ideal back-up option.

The Mali international has been a bit-part player since his summer move to Upton Park, with Sam Allardyce appearing to prefer the likes of Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole.

With the Hammers tracking a number of January targets, including Nicolas Anelka, it is thought that they may be willing to cash in on Maiga to raise funds.

This has alerted Newcastle, who came close to signing him last year, only for issues surrounding his medical at the club to scupper the move.

Should they fail to reach a deal with the London club, the St James’ Park outfit will look toward Saint Etienne’s Pierre-Emerick Aubamyang or West Brom’s Peter Odemwingie.

With current first-choice striker Demba Ba looking likely to leave, Newcastle are short on attacking options, making a goal scorer top priority during January.