Kamara: Ameobi could be a decent option for Crystal Palace

When Premier League clubs eye up reinforcements in the January transfer window it could pay to go in search of a bargain.

Former Newcastle striker and now free agent Shola Ameobi could be one option for a host of teams looking to kick-start their respective campaigns, following news of his hasty departure from Turkish side Gaziantep.

And while we’ve already speculated on a possible return to the Magpies, could there be other options available to Ameobi?

Speaking to Ladbrokes News, ambassador Chris Kamara said:

“It’s a difficult one with Shola. He’s such a talented player but when you look at his career record it’s not fabulous.

“But having moved abroad and come back again maybe he’s hungry for another crack at the Premier League and thinks he has something to offer.”

Could newly-appointed Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew share those sentiments?

The Daily Star have reported that the London club could be interested in offering Ameobi a pay-as-you-play deal, dependent on whether a switch to Newcastle is ruled out or if the player decides against a prospective move to the MLS.

Palace currently find themselves locked in a relegation battle following a run of eight games without a win.

And with scoring goals a particular problem the capture of Ameobi could offer some fresh impetus to a struggling forward line.

The Nigerian international was released by Pardew last summer, bringing an end to a 14-year spell on Tyneside in which the forward firmly established himself as a cult hero.

However, does that necessarily rule out the same manager calling on the services of his former talisman?

“We don’t really know what’s gone in the past and we’re not aware of the circumstances leading to his departure from Newcastle,” Kammy added.

“It might have been that Alan Pardew simply thought he had players, who at the time, he considered to be better options.

“The pair could’ve had a fantastic working relationship.

“So, in that regard it wouldn’t be that surprising should Shola link up with Alan again. If Palace are looking at players and decide they need to bring in a frontman then he could be a possible option.”

Watch this space.

In the meantime, the Eagles are 5/2 to triumph in their upcoming match-up against Tottenham, with the draw available at 12/5 and a Spurs win at 11/10 with Ladbrokes.

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

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