Newcastle Ready to Grasp Marginalised England Winger in January

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is hopeful Manchester United's out-of-favour winger Wilfried Zaha will become available in the January transfer window after expressing his admiration for the England international.

David Moyes has promised Zaha can leave on loan in the New Year after receiving limited playing time during his opening six months at Old Trafford.

With Pardew ready to delve into the market to improve Newcastle's assault on a European place, the boss has registered an interest in taking the United winger for the remainder of the campaign.

"He's a Manchester United player, as far as I'm concerned," Pardew said. "He's a player I know well. He played for my old team [Crystal Palace].

"He was absolutely phenomenal when they got promoted and he got a big move to Manchester United. Unfortunately, his career has stalled but, if an opportunity arises, we'll grasp it. If not, we won't."

Zaha joined United on a permanent basis from Crystal Palace last January, but was loaned back to the then Championship outfit for the remainder of the season, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League.

But since the Community Shield win over Wigan Athletic, Zaha has started just once for United in all competitions and Moyes has been quoted suggesting the youngster is not ready for the Premier League.

As many as ten clubs have been credited with an interest in taking Zaha on loan in January, with Newcastle understood to be leading the pack heading into the transfer window.

After a tough start to the season, Newcastle have rallied and now sit five points adrift of the top four, and two points above United having won five of their last seven games.

Despite European competition causing major fixture congestion, something which impacted on Newcastle's campaign last term, Pardew is adamant the target remain qualifying for the Europa League.

"The Europa League causes massive problems for Premier League teams," he added. "Swansea City and Tottenham are feeling that [this season].

"The demands of the Premier League are much greater than other leagues. It's something we're wary of but we're chasing a European spot."