Hull Transfer News: Tigers To Pounce On Shola Ameobi?

Hull City are aiming to add some beef to their forward line this January, with a swoop for Newcastle stalwart Shola Ameobi, as they try to keep clear of the Premier League relegation places. According to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, Hull manager Steve Bruce sent assistant Steve Agnew to cast his eye over Newcastle's 2-1 win over West Brom a couple of weeks ago. With Hull averaging less than a goal a game in the league - they have only 13 goals from 15 outings - it is no surprise to see them pondering improved striking options. Ameobi has spent his entire career on the Newcastle books, without ever being prolific. Over 13 years he has plundered only 77 goals, although he has rarely commanded a regular starting place, and injuries have also blighted his career. In his younger days, he could also point to big names such as Alan Shearer and Michael Owen keeping him on the bench, but during Newcastle's Championship season he broke ten goals for the only time in his career. At the age of 32, he may feel it is time to move on, judging by comments he made earlier in the season:

"If I'm wanted at Newcastle, I'll play at Newcastle. If I'm not, I'll go elsewhere."

Newcastle's failure to strengthen the forward line beyond Loic Remy in the summer has however thrust Ameobi into a prime forward role, as both a strike partner and occasionally a lone striker. Should this continue, he may rebuff any advances from Hull. However, Bruce is currently considering whether the Nigerian international could help him keep the Tigers in the Premier League for another season. Hull's solid start has left them five points above the drop zone in 12th place, but should the defence start leaking more goals there is not much to keep them winning. Only Robert Brady, a midfielder, has more than two goals to his name, as welcome as his four goals have been. Danny Graham only ended a 29-game scoreless streak last night at Swansea, and reinforcments are surely required. The question must be, is Shola Ameobi the man to do that? Although he has impressed in his nine league appearances this season, he has no goals and Newcastle have relied on Remy to provide the all-important finishing ability. Remy has benefited from having Ameobi as a strike partner, and the Nigerian is undoubtedly a fantastic target man for a quicker poacher to play alongside. One factor that should not be ruled out is Ameobi's desire to play in the 2014 World Cup for Nigeria. Hull would love to have someone busting a gut to impress their national coach, and even if Bruce only landed Ameobi on a loan deal, he is a big fan of hard workers. When fully fit, Ameobi's effort can never be doubted, and a fully focused player of his calibre may yet prove the difference between survival and the drop. As long as they aren't buying him for the goals, Hull should certainly consider Ameobi in the January transfer window. Whether Newcastle, themselves light on strikers, would want to let him go is another matter.