Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan has been quoted £7 million to sign Reading striker Leroy Lita.

The People says Keegan has switched his search for a new hit-man to the Royals ace and wants to push through a deal before the transfer window shuts.

Lita has not scored in the Premier League this season but Keegan has been given rave reports, including a reference from England Under-21 chief Stuart Pearce.

Former Manchester City manager Pearce rates Lita highly despite some of the off-the-field adventures that have hit his career - and Keegan thinks he can handle the young forward.