Report: Newcastle United line up Dimitar Berbatov swoop

Newcastle United are reportedly lining up a swoop for Fulham marksman Dimitar Berbatov in January.

Speculation is rife that the Bulgarian has grown disillusioned with life at Craven Cottage as of late, compounded by the dismissal of Martin Jol a fortnight ago, with Emil Danchev, the player's agent, claiming that his client is "not happy" in West London.

Premier League leaders Arsenal are among those touted to harbour an interest in the 32-year-old but, according to The Mirror, Magpies boss Alan Pardew is heading the queue for the former Manchester United forward.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is said to be reluctant to sanction any big-money moves this winter but it is believed that Berbatov - whose existing deal expires next summer - could be available for as little as £2m.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur forward has scored in each of the Cottagers' two previous fixtures, slotting home penalties in the 4-1 defeat to Everton and the 2-0 victory in midweek.