United interested in Europe's top goalscorer

Newcastle United are set to stun their rivals with an audacious bid to sign highly-rated Austrian striker Marc Janko for £12 million, according to German newspaper BILD.

The 25-year-old 6ft 5in hitman (who plays for Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg) is currently Europe's top goalscorer with a staggering 30 League goals in just 20 appearances (18 starts) this season. He is being courted by a host of British clubs including Blackburn, Sunderland, Celtic, Everton, and Tottenham to name a few.

However, it is Newcastle United who are the most likely club to break the bank for the player, as Magpies gaffer Joe Kinnear looks to add to his depleted squad.

It was reported earlier that the Toon were interested in the services of Atalanta's Italian striker Sergio Floccari, but it appears that their real target is the powerful Austrian.

Janko has been a real revelation this term, and Kinnear would welcome a striker who can actually score goals considering the club's growing injury crisis, and the dip in form of Michael Owen.

The striker has already confirmed that he would welcome a move to England, and has reiterated that it is his dream to do so.

He told the Austrian Press Agency, "England is [still] my dream".

"There football is much more physical and quick. It is another world.

"Any player moving there needs some time to adjust, even top international stars.

"But at the end of the day quality always comes out on top and I`m confident I could manage it," he added.

However, the club's Director Heinz Hochhauser has expressed his displeasure at the player's growing popularity among foreign clubs: "We are not prepared to let him leave at this point in time."

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