Newcastle United are stepping up their bid for Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano.

The News of the World says Toon scouting chiefs Dennis Wise, Tony Jimenez and Jeff Vetere have been running the rule over Fabiano, 27, and St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

And with Jimenez's strong Spanish connections - he helped broker Juande Ramos' move from Seville to the Spurs hotseat - the Geordies believe they can land £8million-rated Fabiano.

Fabiano, also linked with Manchester City, is desperate to quit Seville after revealing his wife and daughters were scared of life in the city.