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Vanarama National League club Gateshead have made an ambitious attempt to bring Shola Ameobi back to Tyneside.

The 34-year-old former Newcastle United striker was one of 14 players released by League One outfit Fleetwood this week after starting the season at Bolton Wanderers.

Ameobi made almost 400 appearances in 14 seasons at St James’ Park, scoring 79 goals, and has since played for Crystal Palace and in Turkey.

The Nigerian striker played 20 games in total in 2015-16 for Bolton and Fleetwood and will have options if he decides to play on.

A coaching role at a club is another possibility, Ameobi having already taken his UEFA A badge earlier this year.

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Gateshead already have three forwards with another, Rochdale trainee Nyal Bell set to sign this week on a two-year deal.

Gateshead manager Neil Aspin is on holiday, but has sanctioned the move for Ameobi, chairman Richard Bennett confirming the club’s interest.

“Ameobi is certainly a player who we would like to bring to Gateshead,” said Bennett. “He has had a great career and still has plenty to offer.

“We have put a call in to his agent and, hopefully, we will get the chance to speak to him, though there is bound to be interest from elsewhere.

“It shows the ambition of the club that we’re in for a player of Ameobi’s calibre and we’re determined to mount a promotion challenge.”

Gateshead, who have signed seven players so far this summer, eight with Bell, are also on the trail of Torquay United winger Toby Ajala.

The 24-year-old has turned down a new contract offer at Plainmoor and is believed to be receptive to a move to the other end of the country.

Ajala, who had a brief spell at Bristol City, played the first half of last season at another National League side, Dover Athletic, before returning to Torquay.

Heed playmaker Josh Gillies, meanwhile, has been linked with a move across the border and top scorer Ryan Bowman is rumoured to be unsettled.

Gillies is on holiday but has been offered an improved deal, while Bowman has been asked to put in a transfer request if he wants to leave.

“He has yet to do that and is contracted for another year,” added Bennett. “He scored 20 goals last season and we are more than happy to retain his services.

“We’ve reached something of an impasse and the ball is in his court, but he is our player and we’ve already turned down a five-figure bid from Tranmere Rovers.”