Both Norwich and Newcastle United are on alert about the potential availability of Mame Diouf, with Norwich believed to be very close to sealing a deal for the striker, a deal that excites me much more than the talk of Gayle and Bamford that have also been mentionned in the last day or two.

The Stoke forward has been starved of game time over the past three months following compassionate leave and a niggling groin injury.

The 28-year-old, who was top scorer last season, started on the left wing at the weekend as the Potters were brushed aside 3-0 at Leicester.

He has been attracting interest back in Germany, although Hamburg and Wolfsburg have both reportedly been put off by the package required.

Now The Sun claim Premier League relegation rivals Norwich and Newcastle are keen on the forward, who moved to the Britannia Stadium from Hannover 96 in the summer of 2014.

They write: "Norwich are eyeing Diouf in their search for a new goalscorer.

"And boss Mark Hughes' determination to keep the former Manchester United forward is set to be tested by the Canaries before the transfer deadline.

"Newcastle have also been monitoring Diouf."