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CHARLES N'ZOGBIA is understood to be keen on making a return to Newcastle United this summer.

And Magpies boss Alan Pardew is believed to be eager to make his second coming a reality.

United – who have been continually linked with the winger for over six months – twice bid for N’Zogbia on January 31 in an attempt to beat the clock after Andy Carroll’s £35m sale to Liverpool, but Wigan chairman Dave Whelan turned down both offers.

And it has also emerged today that United have cooled their interest in Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd – available on a free from the play-off flops – while West Ham and England striker Carlton Cole is no longer on Pardew’s radar.

Pardew has remained tight-lipped on his targets, but did say today: “For us next year the most important thing is to improve.

“I’d like to add the offensive players we need at this level – the kind of players who can get bums off seats.

“We’re competing with Champions League clubs to get them, but hopefully we’ll get one or two in, and keep the basis of the squad we’ve got here.

“The players have been absolutely fantastic.

“We’ve got good players here, and we’re trying to secure them.”

N’Zogbia has been in blistering form for relegation-haunted Wigan in the last few weeks and, even if the Latics stay up, the 24-year-old is ready for pastures new.

Wigan face Stoke on Survival Sunday at the Britannia Stadium in what is almost certain to be N’Zogbia’s last game for Roberto Martinez’s men.

However, United would face competition for his signature from Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Fulham and Sunderland.

N’Zogbia left Tyneside under a cloud in January 2009 in the midst of what proved to be a failed fight against relegation.

And to rub salt into the wounds for Geordie fans, he opted to head for a side with an average attendance of 16,000 – the worst in the Premier League.

United picked up £6m for the player back then, with Ryan Taylor coming the other direction.

Yet the Chronicle understands that N’Zogbia – who has been a frequent visitor to the city since leaving United – has regretted his decision to walk away from the Magpies. N’Zogbia fell out with former boss Joe Kinnear when he branded the winger “Insomnia” at a post-match Press conference two years ago, prompting the player to slap in a transfer request as he felt he could no longer work with the controversial ex-Wimbledon boss.

A source close to the winger said: “Charles left Newcastle on the back of a row with Kinnear.

“He’s always regretted leaving the club, and if there was a chance to come back he would obviously be interested.

“He’s got a big game with Wigan this weekend and then there will probably be a lot of talk about where Charles goes next.

“But he is intrigued by the plans that Alan Pardew has in store for Newcastle next season.”

Meanwhile, United will wear their new home kit for the first time this Sunday.

The Magpies have also confirmed that there will be a lap of appreciation after the final whistle against the Baggies.

United’s current first-team squad will be out in force this afternoon as the club launches its new home kit.

Players will be at the St James’ Park store, Metro Centre shop and Eldon Square retail outlet between 4-6pm.

The likes of Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton will be at St James’ Park, Jose Enrique and Steven Taylor at the Metrocentre, while Shola Ameobi and Jonas Gutierrez are among those signing at Eldon Square.