Baggies close on Ameobi

Newcastle striker eager for Mowbray link-up

Last updated: 23rd June 2008

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Ameobi: Baggies link

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West Brom are leading the race to land Shola Ameobi's services, according to sources close to the Newcastle striker.

Baggies boss Tony Mowbray is a known admirer of the former England Under 21 international and is thought to be close to concluding a £2.5million deal for the 26-year-old.

Ameobi, who has scored 28 goals in 168 appearances for Newcastle, has fallen behind Mark Viduka, Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins in Kevin Keegan's striking pecking order.

Ipswich and a number of other Championships clubs are also monitoring Ameobi, who spent the end of last season on loan at Stoke.

Baggies favourites

The Potteries outfit had been thought to be in the running for his signature, but it is fellow Premier League new boys West Brom that have stolen a march on their rivals.

A source close to Ameobi said: "Shola is 26 now so this is a big move for him and he knows a manager like Tony Mowbray will help to develop him as a player.

"He's over his injury problems now and he just wants to get his head down and play.

"He is keen to get his future sorted so ideally he'd like to get things done and dusted in the next week or so.

"A few clubs have shown an interest but he wants to go to West Brom."