Pardew Looks In The Bargain Bin While Ashley Hangs Onto 35m!

How ironic - Mike Ashley has £35m in his arse pocket - and Alan Pardew may have to delve into the free-transfer market after it was confirmed that Shola Ameobi has broken his cheekbone. Alan Pardew: "It is a possibility. We have to explore every avenue. "The situation is we are short on bodies. "It is a massive blow. "Shola is going to be crucial because we have already lost Andy Carroll. To lose him has put extra pressure on us all. "The doctor thinks it might be the fracture of the cheekbone. The injury is going to keep him out for some time."