He stirred a hornet’s nest when he was quoted as saying: “Fabricio wants to play for San Lorenzo and he is trying his best to find an elegant way to leave Newcastle.

“We don’t know what Newcastle will come up with, but Fabricio is trying to rescind his contract because he wants to be back at San Lorenzo.

“The arrival of Fabricio would be complicated but there’s always a glimmer of hope.

“The most difficult issue is that Newcastle just sold a major striker, he is captain and above all an idol, in the city they love him.”

The player’s agent, Marcelo Lombilla, was quick to rubbish the link.

“The San Lorenzo thing arises because of a personal matter and because his father is at that club,” he said.

“He (Fabricio) has only just renewed his contract six months ago and these stories always generate a buzz and generate illusions, however they are just that, illusions and nothing more.

“These things that are written, I just cannot believe.”

Fabricio was loaned to San Lorenzo when on AC Milan’s books.

Brighton knocked Newcastle out of last season’s competition at the fourth round stage and the live TV cameras will again be at the Withdean Stadium anticipating a shock.

The Magpies should at least know what to expect.

“There will be no shocks for us because they beat us last year,” said Pardew.

“It was good game last year, a tactical game, we just got caught on the breakaway.

“They have some good players and they are having a good season again.

“They are an up-and-coming club and it will be a difficult game.”