United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to offload Alan Smith, and could see Gudjohnsen as the perfect foil for Wayne Rooney in attack.

The Magpies and Pompey have also been linked to the classy Iceland hitman, and all three clubs would have no problem finding the reported £8million transfer fee needed to recruit the 28-year-old.

Sunderland and West Ham have also been keeping tabs on Gudjohnsen's situation as they seek to bolster their forward options.