Toronto keen on Ameobi

Carver sets sights on Newcastle striker

Last updated: 21st May 2008

ameobi shola

Ameobi: Wanted across the Atlantic

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Former Newcastle coach John Carver has admitted he would love to bring Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi to Toronto FC.

Carver, who worked as Sir Bobby Robson's first-team coach at St James' Park, has been in charge of the Major League Soccer side since February.

He is searching for a new forward and has set his sights on the player he helped to bring through the Academy ranks on Tyneside.

"I need some firepower up front and I am looking for new players, especially a striker," Carver explained.

"I have got my side organised now and have made Toronto difficult to beat, but

I need to sign players in that area.

"Shola is a kid I brought through the system at Newcastle United, and a kid I know an awful lot about.

"If I can get Shola into this football club he would be a huge, huge asset for us."

Ameobi fell down the pecking order at Newcastle under Kevin Keegan and ended the season on loan at Stoke.

He could now decide to cross the Atlantic and join a Toronto side that already includes former Magpie Laurent Robert.

Robert praise

Carver has been impressed by the Frenchman, adding: "Newcastle fans know what Robert's ability is about.

"From what I have seen in the short space of time he has been here, he has some desire back.

"He has had a couple of wayward years and he actually seems to want to prove a point.

"He's not here on holiday, he's working hard and he's a great professional."