Portsmouth are targeting Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi according to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Ameobi is being checked on by Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp as a possible replacement for Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka who are currently at the African Cup of Nations.

The former England Under-21 International faces stiff competition at St James' Park with Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Ameobi is thought to be intent on fighting for his place under the newly-appointed Kevin Keegan and made his first appearance for the Toon since September in Keegan's first game back, playing the whole game at the weekend.