Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is now a main contender to grab West Ham United’s England under-21 star Ravel Morrison at the end of the season should the player decide to move.

Pardew was keen on the player before he was signed by us and saw a bid of £500,000 turned down in 2012.

ClaretandHugh reported earlier in the week that he is strongly fancied by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers but that the Hammers are ready to offer Ravel a new deal.

Rodgers wants to ensure that his temperament is 100 per cent before making a move but Pardew is unworried by that.

Should Ravel decide the time has come to move on with just a year left on his contract, the Hammers will make them scrap and will want top dollar.

An Upton Park source said: “There will definitely be a 20 per cent sell on clause involved although the facts are we don’t want to lose him and will hold talks on a new contract.”