NEWCASTLE United are back on the trail of Paris Saint Germain striker Mevlüt Erdinç as they widen their January remit to include a forward.

United are understood to have initiated contact with the Turkey international – who was a long-term target in the summer – after being made aware he is eager to leave the Ligue 1 side.

He is keen to discuss a move to England, although United would only want to take the transfer further if he is valued at a significantly lower price than the £7million PSG were looking for in the summer transfer window.

Although it was widely reported at the time Erdinç had turned down Newcastle, The Journal understands it was a breakdown in negotiations between the player’s representatives and United which scuppered their chances of brokering a transfer before August 31. United’s priority remains landing a centre-half in the transfer window but, despite Alan Pardew publicly closing the door on bringing in a striker back in December, the club are keeping their options open.

Erdinç is one of a few targets but United sources refused to rule out a move for the 24-year-old, heavily scouted before the Magpies tried to lure him to St James’ Park in the close season.

They also have domestic targets and have maintained a watching brief on Huddersfield’s man of the moment Jordan Rhodes – but a deal to bring him to Tyneside is not close.

The Terriers do not want to sell and, with West Ham having seen a bid of £4million turned down, he may be beyond the price United are willing to pay.

In addition, senior sources at the Galpharm are briefing the player will not be sold in January, as he holds the key to Huddersfield’s promotion chances.

Rhodes will be sold to a Premier League club in the summer but the ex-Ipswich man is content to sit tight and repay the loyalty shown in him by the Terriers.