Newcastle to refuse Birmingham's 1.5m offer for striker Shola Ameobi

Shola Ameobi is the latest striker to appear on the radar of Birmingham City but a £1.5million bid for the Newcastle forward is likely to be met with a firm rebuttal. Although Ameobi's contract is up in 2012, he is viewed as important back-up to Andy Carroll who is out injured for another three weeks. Genoa, meanwhile, have joined Stoke in expressing interest in Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome. No chance: Ameobi will be subject of an offer from Birmingham  Barton kicks off talks to extend his contract with Newcastle Stoke told Jerome will cost £8m as Birmingham aim to sign Tuncay All the latest Newcastle news, features and opinionAll the latest Birmingham news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Andy Carroll Places: Birmingham, Newcastle