Alan Pardew: Planning to add to Newcastle's striking options this summer

Alan Pardew insists that Newcastle United are preparing to boost their striking options and will be in a better position to do so once the World Cup is over.

The departures of loanee Loic Remy, who was Newcastle’s top scorer last season with 14 goals, and Shola Ameobi, who spent 14 years at the club, have left Pardew needing to strengthen in attack.

He has already been active in the transfer market, sealing deals for young striker Ayoze Perez from Tenerife and Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback, but his chase for further forwards has proved difficult so far.

Reported target Pierre-Michel Lasogga is said to be close to joining Hamburg, while they have also been linked to the likes of Ross McCormack from Leeds, Watford’s Troy Deeney and emerging Ecuador World Cup star Enner Valencia.

We’re doing everything we can at the moment to be in the loop with the ones that we want to be in the loop with. Alan Pardew

Pardew told the Sunderland Echo: "The key signings, the strikers, are obviously the toughest ones to get over the line.

"They kind of hedge their bets a little bit and we have got a little bit of that going on.

"They will all start securing up when pre-season is back in swing and they are focused on clubs. That’s when we start to see real activity.

"We’re doing everything we can at the moment to be in the loop with the ones that we want to be in the loop with.

"Hopefully, we will get the signings we want."