Newcastle United intend to send midfielder Alan Smith out on-loan.

The Mirror says Smith has been on the fringes of the side for the past year, and the Toon will now let him leave to get some match action in the Championship.

The news, which was flashed around the nation's clubs on Wednesday, may alert Smith's hometown club and former employers Leeds United, who have tried to re-sign him in the past.

West Ham United could also come in for him - Hammers boss Sam Allardyce bought Smith to Newcastle from Manchester United for £6million in 2007, when he was manager there.