Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is close to a move to the Blues having undergone a medical at Town yesterday, according to reports in the North-East. The former England U21 star has been tracked by Jim Magilton all summer.

Reports earlier in the summer claimed the Blues were willing to offer the Magpies an initial fee of £2 million rising to £3.5 million on appearances and promotion.

Ameobi, who was first linked with the Blues by sources in the North-East back in March, was born in Nigeria but moved to Newcastle as child, joining the Magpies' youth set-up as a 13-year-old.

The 6ft 3in tall frontman made his senior debut in 2000/01 during Sir Bobby Robson's time as Newcastle manager and has now made 135 starts and 95 sub appearances, scoring 46 goals. Charlie Woods, one-time assistant to Robson at Newcastle and now to Jim Magilton at Portman Road, will know the frontman very well.

A hip injury, surgery and subsequent rehabilitation have reduced the former England U21 international's opportunities in recent seasons and in March, with the Blues apparently watching the situation, Ameobi joined Stoke City on loan, failing to score in three starts and three sub appearances.

Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Hull City and MLS side Toronto FC are amongst a number of other clubs linked with the striker this summer.

Town's interest appeared to have cooled after Ameobi returned from his honeymoon and gave the Blues no indication that he wanted a move to Portman Road. However, in recent days, with Norwich also believed to still be keen, Town are understood to have revived their move in the last couple of days.

Photo: Action Images

CapnBlues added 20:25 - Aug 14 Oh how little we knew
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