Newcastle United are eyeing Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford.

Bamford has starred on-loan with Middlesbrough this season.

The Evening Chronicle says Toon would face competition for the 21-year-old, with Aston Villa, Southampton and Everton also interested, but are open to the idea of bringing a player in on loan to fill gaps in their squad.

That plan could be torpedoed if Boro are promoted but Bamford will return to the Premier League next season one way or another. "I don't have any reason not to be at Chelsea," Bamford said recently.

"It is my dream to put on that blue shirt and play for them eventually. However, after two years regularly playing out on loan, going back and sitting on the bench wouldn't really help me. It's down to those at the top at Chelsea to decide what will be the best for my career and what to do next year."