Alan Pardew has admitted to liking the look of Junior Hoilett, with the Newcastle manager admitting that a deal for a new player could go through in the next two weeks.

The Toon are yet to sign any big names in this transfer window, with Congolese midfielder Gael Bigirimana and Frenchman Romain Amalfitano the only pieces of business Pardew has completed so far.

And with pundits and fans alike watching closely as Newcastle look to build on their success from last season, in which they challenged for a Champions League spot up until the last game, Pardew says he has a clear strategy over which players he hopes to bring to St James' Park.

Asked if any signings were imminent, Pardew told Sky Sports: "No, I don't think so, not in the immediate week or so, but certainly over the next 14 days, I would like to think a body would come in.

"I would like to think we have got a strategy, and we are looking at various options of players to come in, of course.

"The good news for us is we haven't lost anybody, and we are doing everything we can to make sure that this team that bedded in so well last year goes forward together."

Alan Pardew
Alan Pardew is planning on bringing a new player to Newcastle within the next two weeks.

One player who Pardew admitted Newcastle are particularly interested in is Junior Hoilett, who is now a free agent of sorts as his contract ends with Blackburn this summer.

After refusing to sign a new deal with Rovers, the Toon would only have to pay compensation for Hoilett's training to bring him to north eastern England, and Pardew revealed that the club are watching his moves very closely.

"Wherever he ends up, we're keeping a close eye on that because he's a good player," he said.

Another transfer topic that has come up at Newcastle quite often of late is that of Demba Ba's future.

With rumours surrounding a cheap release clause in his contract, some outlets have speculated he may make the move for a side that can offer a more concrete challenge for Champions League football.

But Pardew insists that Ba has made no hint of wanting to leave Newcastle, and the striker is perfectly happy to work with the manager to stay there and be part of the side's long term plans.

"I've not seen any sign from Demba since he came back that suggests he wants to find another club. I don't sense that at all," Pardew explained.

"I genuinely don't see a situation where he wants to move on. He has not stressed to me he wants to move to pastures new.

"He has said to me he wants some reassurance from me. He wants a more striking role this season and I think he will."