Hull City manager Steve Bruce is reported to be interested in Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi.
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Ameobi is out of contract at the end of this season and he has a World Cup with Nigeria to look forward to after breaking into their squad late in his career.
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Hull assistant boss Steve Agnew has been at St James' Park to check out the Toon stalwart, but it is unlikely that Alan Pardew would let him go, or Ameobi wanting to quit Newcastle now.
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Although left out at Old Trafford at the weekend, the 32-year-old started the previous five games after deservedly getting the nod ahead of Papiss Cisse.
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He may not have scored in those games but the Geordie good luck charm has been a major influence, and his side won four out of five and then broke that 41-year hoodoo at Old Trafford on Saturday, when he was a playing substitute.
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A regular from the day Alan Pardew took the job, Ameobi's dressing room influence has frequently been remarked upon by the Newcastle boss.
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Pardew said he believes Ameobi could be Prime Minister one day, so would be loath to allow him to leave for Hull as Newcastle prepare for a sustained effort to return to Europe next season.
Newcastle will definately not let him go because he is key to the side. I believe he'll still stay for some years