IPSWICH Town are waiting for Shola Ameobi to return from his honeymoon before making a bid to Newcastle United for the striker.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town are waiting for Shola Ameobi to return from his honeymoon before making a bid to Newcastle United for the striker.

Speaking publicly for the first time about his desire to sign the 26-year-old striker, manager Jim Magilton revealed to the EADT the true situation surrounding his interest.

Magilton said: “We have made an enquiry about Shola but not a bid. The lad has just got married and has been away on his honeymoon which we have not wanted to interrupt.

“When he gets back I'm hoping to be able to speak to him personally. A lot of things so far have been done through intermediaries but until I can speak to the lad myself we can't move on.

“There is no doubt he has a lot of ability and if he shows the desire and the passion to want to come here then we will make an offer and move to bring him in.”

Although Ameobi has attracted some Premier League interest he has rejected the chance of a £4m switch to Stoke City after deciding he is not suited to their style of play.

The Nigerian-born striker who has played for England Under-21s is not averse to stepping down a division, although he would probably have to take a wage cut as Championship clubs are unlikely to match his £15,000 a week basic.

With 46 goals in 125 starts and 95 substitute appearances for the Premier League Magpies, Ameobi has pedigree but there have been concerns over the hip problems he has suffered over the years.

Magilton said: “We are of course aware of the hip problems he had in the past. If we were to get the lad in then, like every player coming in, then he would have the stringent of medicals.”

Newcastle will be looking to get as close to the £4m, including add-ons, which Stoke City agreed to pay after reaching the Premier League.

The Blues have also identified other striker targets, although have already ruled out a move for Fulham's David Healy.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk