The striker – now surplus to requirements at St James's Park – has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs, not least Premier League newcomers West Bromwich Albion and Glenn Roeder's Norwich City.

And pre-season opponents Real Mallorca were yesterday linked with a move for Ameobi should former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd take over at the ONO Estadi.

But none, as yet, have been willing to meet United's sizeable asking price, and West Brom and Norwich are waiting to see if they lower it.

Ameobi, having reluctantly conceded that his St James's Park career is over after 230 appearances and 46 goals, has told friends he is frustrated by the stalemate.

The 26-year-old made just eight appearances for Newcastle last season, and is not willing to spend another season on the sidelines.

Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins, Michael Owen, Alan Smith and Andy Carroll are all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.

A patched-up Ameobi – who has been hit by injury in recent seasons – won praise from Kevin Keegan after passing himself fit for his first game back in charge against Bolton Wanderers.

However, he made just one more appearance under Keegan, as a substitute away to Arsenal.

And Ameobi ended a season which had promised so much, with Sam Allardyce having tipped him for England honours almost a year ago, on loan at promotion-chasing Stoke City.

Stoke agreed a package worth up to £4m to make the move permanent, but the deal fell through, with the Academy graduate failing to settle at the Britannia Stadium.

Keegan, for his part, will be keen for the situation to be resolved.

The striking department is one area, at least, in which he is well served, and he will not want an unhappy player on his books, not to mention the fact that he desperately needs to add to his transfer kitty.