Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is reportedly interested in signing CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia when the transfer window reopens in January, according to Talk Sport.

The Magpies face tough opposition in the race to sign the 24-year-old, with Italian giants Lazio and Napoli also vying for Doumbia’s signature. It is thought that the Russian side CSKA Moscow would be willing for the Ivorian international to leave the club for a fee of around the £16 million mark.

Doumbia made his reputation at Swiss outfit Young Boys where he scored 57 goals in two seasons – before joining Moscow in the summer of 2010. Young Boys missed his presence the following season as they failed to qualify for the Champions League proper losing 6-3 to Tottenham in the fourth round qualification stage.

The striker then continued his impressive goal tally netting 26 goals for Moscow last season. Doumbia won the Russian Premier League golden boot despite CSKA Moscow finishing a disappointing third in the table and failing to qualify for Europe.

Pardew may envisage Doumbia as a replacement for Demba Ba, who has recently voiced his discontent at St. James’ Park.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have been bolstered by the news that Pardew has signed at the new contract at club meaning the 51-year-old will not stay at the club until 2020.