Nile Ranger is battling to save his Newcastle United career after returning to training.

The Evening Chronicle says United boss Alan Pardew has indicated the former England Under-19 international is still fighting for his career behind the scenes with the Magpies.

Ranger is thought to be aiming for a March return, and it will be then down to Pardew and his backroom team to decide whether he is sent to train with the reserves or to allow him to go out on loan, potentially back to the Tykes where the player enjoyed a good relationship with Oakwell gaffer Keith Hill.

Ranger still has another four years left on his current contract.