Newcastle United are chasing Reading striker Shane Long.
The Sunday Sun says Toon boss Alan Pardew is ready to sanction a move for Long, who was watched by John Carver in international action last month and impressed the Toon No 2.
Pardew is staying tight-lipped on his transfer targets in public.
But they want a striker, a left-back and a central midfielder as priority purchases, and had a scouting presence in Germany this weekend as they continue efforts to rebuild using the Andy Carroll cash.
