Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear is apparently ready to make an offer to Wigan for their wantaway striker Emile Heskey in the January transfer window. If the England forward stays at the JJB in January, Newcastle will make another offer in the summer.

It is understood that Newcastle may be prepared to match the 5 million GBP valuation on the England international this month, but could wait until May to sign the player on a free transfer.

Heskey is also being chased by Tottenham and Liverpool, but Newcastle are keen to partner 'the Mule' with his old England partner, Michael Owen.