Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly planning a £5million swoop on his old club Bolton for midfielder Kevin Nolan.

Allardyce has already raided his former employers for defender Abdoulaye Faye, as well as taking several backroom staff to St James' Park.

And now the Magpies chief has apparently identified the 25-year-old as the man he wants to bolster his struggling midfield.

Nolan has managed just three goals this term but with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Joey Barton and Emre, Allardyce is thought to be weighing up a move.

The Liverpool-born midfielder has come under fire from some sections of the Reebok Stadium faithful after below-par performances this term and a fresh challenge on Tyneside could well appeal to Nolan.

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