Newcastle United are keen on Borussia Monchengladbach striker Max Kruse.
The Mirror says Toon owner Mike Ashley is willing to fund a £9million bid for Kruse - close to the asking price demanded by his club Borussia Monchengladbach.
Boss Alan Pardew is keen to add a front-line striker to his squad with new boys Emmanuel Riviere and Siem de Jong failing to make an impact, despite Newcastle's excellent recent run of six straight victories.
It is believed that approaches have been made regarding the 26-year-old, who has been recalled to Joachim Low's Germany squad after an impressive start to the Bundesliga season.
And Kruse has been identified by Pardew and Newcastle's scouts as an affordable target who could go straight into the first team and make a significant impact.
