Newcastle boss Alan Pardew would prefer the coveted number nine shirt to be worn from someone within the existing Toon ranks, but failing that he will enter the summer transfer market. The shirt carries a special significance, having been worn by club legends such as Malcolm MacDonald and Alan Shearer in the past.
Andy Carroll was the most recent No.9 before his £35million switch to Liverpool on deadline day, meaning it is currently up for grabs.
With the Carroll money to spend in the summer, the Magpies manager will not rush into making a decision.
He told the Evening Chronicle: "I think the No.9 is a very special shirt here and I'm not going to give it to just anybody.
"I really hope that somebody emerges - or we bring somebody in who can carry that shirt.
"It is an important figurehead for this football club.
"It brings with it a pressure that the player who wears it needs to be able to deal with.
"I will have to think long and hard about that."
