Newcastle set for a battle over David Hoilett

NEWCASTLE face a fight to land reported target David ‘Junior’ Hoilett – after Blackburn boss Steve Kean claimed the Canadian starlet is “desperate” to stay at Ewood Park.

United are understood to be monitoring Hoilett’s situation at Rovers, where his contract runs out in 12 months.

With uncertainty over the future of Joey Barton at St James’ Park, Hoilett – who joined Blackburn aged 12 and scored six goals in the Premier League last season – has been earmarked as a potential replacement, and fits owner Mike Ashley’s template of young, relatively low-cost talent.

However, aware of interest in their “top, top notch” player, Blackburn are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal, and Kean is set to fly to Ontario in the next fortnight to that effect.

Kean said: “I have spoken with Junior and he is now on a family holiday. I will probably go out to Canada in the next couple of weeks to speak to his dad.

“We are hopeful. He is desperate to get something sorted out, he wants to stay, he is playing well and has enjoyed a good run in the team.

“He is enjoying his football and has been a bit of a match-winner for us. I think he has enjoyed the freedom he has had in the final third. He has been allowed to take people on and has caused top players all sorts of problems.

“He can be top, top notch. He can go all the way to being a very, very special player in this league.

“I think he can play anywhere. He can play, left, right, in the hole, out and out as a striker. He can adapt and play anywhere, he is that good.”