Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is moving for Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim.

The Israel centre-back has started only nine Premier League games this term, but with John Terry injured and Ricardo Carvalho banned the 25-year-old has been thrown into the fray at Stamford Bridge.

But Allardyce, who coached the Israel international while the pair were at Bolton, is in desperate need of defensive reinforcements and has reportedly requested to take Ben Haim on loan until the end of the season.

Allardyce has limited cash available and a temporary switch would boost a Magpies defence which has conceded 33 goals in 21 Premier League games.

Allardyce is also bracing himself for the loss of Habib Beye, Claudio Cacapa, Jose Enrique and Abdoulaye Faye to African Nations Cup duty.