Pardew keen on Manchester United youngster Zaha

By Alex Fisher

Dec 19, 2013 8:25:00 PM

The forward is not convinced about a move to Newcastle, but David Moyes is keen on the winger moving to St James' Park on a temporary basis

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew would be keen to sign Manchester United forward Wilfried Zaha in January "if the opportunity arises".

Goal understands that the Red Devils want Zaha to join the Magpies on loan, despite his reluctance to relocate to the North East.

The England Under-21s international has made only made two Premier League appearances from the substitutes' bench since completing a permanent move to Old Trafford from Crystal Palace at the end of last season and Pardew is sad to see that "his career has stalled".

"He's a Manchester United player, as far as I'm concerned," the Newcastle boss told the press. "He's a player I know well. He played for my old team [Palace].

"He was absolutely phenomenal when they got promoted and he got a big move to Manchester United.

"Unfortunately, his career has stalled but, if an opportunity arises, we'll grasp it. If not, we won't."

Pardew has also set his sights on securing a place in the Europa League next season, although he knows from experience that it is not easy to combine an assault on Europe with the demands of the Premier League.

"The Europa League causes massive problems for Premier League teams," he observed. "Swansea City and Tottenham are feeling that [this season].

"The demands of the Premier League are much greater than other leagues. It's something we're wary of but we're chasing a European spot. ----------------- goal.com