A shock Newcastle United return for Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is on.

The News of the World says the Magpies and Bellamy have made contact over a £9 million move from Liverpool.

Bellamy left Newcastle under a cloud after a bitter fall-out with former boss Graeme Souness.

But new Toon manager Sam Allardyce sees the striker as a key target and will battle Aston Villa, West Ham and Blackburn for his signature.