NEWCASTLE United want to make Manchester United wonder kid Ravel Morrison their first January transfer window signing – but will have to nearly double their initial offer to get him.

Newcastle have had a first offer rejected for Morrison and are believed to have made a second bid yesterday, with dialogue continuing between the clubs about a player tipped to become British football’s next big thing.

The first offer was tabled in the first week of January, with United apparently keen to act quickly.

United are stepping up their recruitment efforts and are monitoring the availability of Blackburn winger Junior Hoilett, as well as attempting to broker a deal for Morrison.

The teenager is rated at around the £1million mark, despite never having appeared in a Premier League game, but Newcastle believe his potential is huge if his more wayward tendencies can be curbed.

The initial offer is understood to be lower than the £500,000 first reported – and they will have to go to around double that to bring him to Tyneside.

A significant sell-on clause would also be required, another sticking point given Newcastle’s desire to secure a good deal.

Newcastle are operating within strict financial parameters this January, but Morrison represents a good investment if he can capitalise on raw ability that has made him one of the game’s most talked-about prospects.

While United have proved themselves tough negotiators ready to walk away from a deal if it doesn’t suit them, the Journal understands there is a real appetite for the transfer at St James’ Park.

Alan Pardew would be keen to work with the player, and has proved in the past he has no problem having difficult characters in his squad.

There are other suitors – Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal have been mentioned – but Newcastle can offer him a greater chance of the immediate first-team football he craves.