Alan Pardew: 'We were interested in Jermain Defoe'

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed that he had a "little bit of interest" in signing Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe during the summer.

The Magpies spent the off-season attempting to strengthen their striking department, but while insisting that he didn't expect the move to come off, Pardew has admitted that he would have liked to have added Defoe to his squad at St James' Park.

The 52-year-old told the Northern Echo: "I worked with Jermain at West Ham and I think that he is a fantastic player. When the ball comes into him, whether it is left foot, right foot, he is hugely effective.

"He's also good in the air for a fairly small fella. He's a terrific player, but really and truly, I do not think he would come to this football club.

"There was a little bit of interest from us in the summer, but he is a Spurs player and I that think he is doing a good job there. Whenever he is called upon, he scores, so I would not be surprised if they start him on Sunday."

Defoe has scored nine times in 14 appearances this season.