Jermain Defoe
Jermain Defoe was a subject of interest for Newcastle in the summer.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted he harbours an interest in Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe as the Toon prepare to face the side in the Premier League this weekend.

Defoe fell out of favour with Andre Villas-Boas over the course of the 2012-13 season though the England international managed to score 15 goals throughout that time, a much better tally than fellow striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

So far this season he has scored nine goals and despite being left behind summer signing Roberto Soldado in the pecking order Defoe has proven he's an important member of the Spurs squad while Adebayor is yet to play a minute for the team.

And Pardew has admitted that while there is interest in Defoe he is aware of the fact that Tottenham are wanting to hold onto the striker and use him in their push for a top our finish.

"I worked with Jermain (Defoe) at West Ham and I think that he's a fantastic player," he said, according to the Northern Echo.

"The ball comes into him and whether it's left or right foot he is very effective. He is also good in the air for quite a small fellah, a terrific player but I truly don't think he'd come to this club.

"There was a little bit of interest from us (in the summer window) but he's a Spurs player and is doing a good job there whenever he plays he scores and I wouldn't be surprised if he starts on Sunday."

Defoe will certainly be one to watch this weekend when Tottenham take on Newcastle with the 31 year old full of confidence following breaking Spurs legend Martin Chivers' European goal scoring record.

But the Toon are feeling extremely positive themselves on the back of a shock win against Chelsea last week and without the rotational issues that Villas-Boas will have faced following European football during the week the side will be fresh and raring to go.