Newcastle Plot Summer Move for Southampton Winger – Report

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is already looking at ways to strengthen his squad in the summer and is interested in signing Southampton winger Jason Puncheon.

It was Pardew that signed the 26-year-old for Southampton from Plymouth back in January 2010 and he has since excelled on the south coast as he has become a permanent fixture in the Saints side this season.

Puncheon is the second top scorer at the club with six goals and has demonstrated his ability to come in from the wing with devastating effect as he continues to link well with striker Rickie Lambert.

The Daily Post believes that Pardew is playing close attention to the contract situation of Puncheon who will be available on a free at the end of the season when his current deal expires.

Southampton have yet to offer him a new contract but they will be desperate to keep hold of the winger knowing that if the fail to remain in the Premier League then it will be difficult to keep hold of their best players.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino is not short of options when it comes to players who can play in a front three but he will be keen not to lose one of their best players for nothing.

The paper suggests that there will be plenty of interest in Puncheon with West Ham also said to be keen in signing the former Barnet winger.

However, it is Pardew that knows the player well from his time in charge at St. Mary's and has previously admitted that he is a player still very much on his radar.

"Jason was somebody I scooped from MK Dons for a really good price," said Pardew. "He's done extremely well and he's a player I'll keep an eye on."

Pardew will see first-hand just how dangerous Puncheon can be when Newcastle face Southampton at the weekend in what could turn out to be an addition for the winger.

Newcastle are themselves also battling to avoid relegation but have proven they are still a major draw having managed to sign five players from Ligue 1 during the January transfer window.