Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino is being linked with Newcastle United.

The Mirror says Fiorentina have offered Gilardino around the Premier League to try to clinch a deal in January.

Newcastle are believed to have sent scouts to check on the 28-year-old Italian international who is ready to quit Fiorentina.

Gilardino is fed-up at Fiorentina and has questioned the club's ambition while the cash-strapped Serie A may have to sell players to balance their books.