NEWCASTLE UNITED are among a growing number of clubs keeping an eye on Swedish striker John Guidetti's situation at Manchester City.
Guidetti is expected to be given permission to spend a second season out on loan from the Etihad Stadium and the Magpies have emerged as rivals to Sunderland for his signature.
Both North-East clubs had representatives in Holland towards the end of last season to keep an eye on the 20-year-old's performances during a successful stint with Feyenoord.
And his 20 goals in 23 matches, as well as eight assists, have caught the eye of Newcastle, who are waiting to hear when Manchester City will allow him to complete a further loan switch.
Feyenoord have already asked City if they can have Guidetti back to spearhead their Eredivisie campaign next season, but they are well aware of the competition.
He enjoyed his time in Holland, where his coach Ronald Koeman claimed he has the potential to be as good as his more experienced compatriot and former Ajax striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
It emerged yesterday there has also been a couple of proposals from Turkey, with Fenerbahce known to have already contacted the player's agent. Besiktas, though, are also keen.
Guidetti said: "If I can't play at Manchester City then I'll have to play somewhere else. I want the chance. I don't want to be a reserve at City, I can't be. I have to be honest with people, I'm not going to lie."
Newcastle are in the hunt for at least one new striker, with the futures of Leon Best and Demba Ba still very much in the air on the back of Peter Lovenkrands' exit.
Twente's Luuk de Jong is the main priority, but Guidetti provides an attractive, cheaper option too.
And it emerged last night that Blackburn Rovers have joined the hunt to sign Best. Rovers, preparing for the Championship next season, are thought to be willing to pay up to £2m.
