Newcastle have again been linked with a move for Josh King but his wage demands of £120,000 per week are being cited as a reason why Premier League interest is yet to materialise.
Aston Villa and the Magpies are mentioned as potential suitors in a report in Sunday's edition of the Sun - along with Everton.
But the Norway striker is looking for a bumper contract, with a six-figure salary mentioned.
Reporter Alan Nixon cites Callum Wilson's move to United as a motivation for King, who is in the final year of his contract, to stay at Dean Court rather than move on if no-one matches his demands. As a free agent he may be able to command a big wage.
Newcastle being thrown into the mix looks like it may be a tactic to drum up interest in the forward.
While Wilson was a big money move in the summer for a player closer to 30, United's transfer blueprint hasn't changed to the point where it is the norm.
And club sources continue to insist it is likely there will be no significant additions in the January window. Steve Bruce continues to source loan options in the hope that something that can be agreed to add a different dimension to his squad.
