Newcastle United have warned Birmingham City off striker Shola Ameobi.
The Daily Mail says Ameobi is the latest striker to appear on the radar of Birmingham City but a £1.5million bid for the Newcastle forward is likely to be met with a firm rebuttal.
Although Ameobi's contract is up in 2012, he is viewed as important back-up to Andy Carroll who is out injured for another three weeks.
Only on Sunday, Toon boss Alan Pardew admitted he saw the Nigeria prospect as part of his long-term plans.