Carroll is far from the only forward on Newcastle’s radar this summer

Alan Pardew already has two of the five most prolific players outside of last season’s top four at his disposal in Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse but is expected to add to that explosive front line before the start of the campaign.

With Europa League football secured and a competitive squad, this is the most attractive that Newcastle have been to potential signings for ages and the club are determined to take advantage by strengthening considerably this summer.

The striker that they have been most heavily linked with is former star Andy Carroll, who Brendan Rodgers appears happy to let leave Liverpool and who the Magpies have confirmed their interest in, though he isn’t their only target.

Reports linking them to the Marseille forward Loic Remy have increased and while his current side have spent five straight seasons in the Champions League, they too will be in the less illustrious European competition in 2012/13.

The France international’s contract has only a year to run and that has led to claims that Marseille are willing to do business, however they are thought to be demanding £15 million despite the fact that he would be available on a free in 12 months.

In many ways, Remy would represent better value at that kind of sum than Carroll would at around the £20 million mark, having played and scored in the Champions League in the past and represented his country on 17 occasions.

The 25-year-old, who has also been linked with Arsenal, has denied any effort on his part to force a move yet suggested that the decision could be taken out of his hands.

He said: “I have a contract with Marseille but if the club wants to sell you, there is nothing you can do about that.” Newcastle are 7/1 to go one better than last term and finish in the top four.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.