Newcastle United Football Club have identified a new Alan Shearer.

The player in question is 21-year-old Swindon Town star Simon Cox, who scored his third hat-trick of the season in the 4-3 win over Northampton Town last week.

Magpies coach Colin Calderwood was in attendance at the game specifically to run the rule over the former Reading striker, and he returned with a rave review.

Reports now suggest United will move for Cox at the end of the season, although they will face competition from fellow Premier League strugglers West Bromwich Albion.