Hill Singhoner
Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of striker Shefki Kuqi until the end of the season. Finland international Kuqi, 34, was a free agent after leaving Swansea by mutual consent at the end of January.
He is a stopgap replacement for Andy Carroll, who was sold to Liverpool on the last day of the January transfer window for £35m. The Magpies were further depleted when Shola Ameobi suffered a fractured cheekbone against Fulham on 2 February. Newcastle had also been linked with former Arsenal and Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere, whi is currently unattached, but went for Kuqi as he is much closer to match fitness and can, if needed, be called upon straight away by manager Alan Pardew. He joins Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger and Leon Best as the club's available strikers.
"We needed another option up front, because we're a little light there due to the temporary loss of Shola, and Shefki will provide us with something different," said Pardew.
"He's match fit and knows the English game well having been in the country for the ebst part of ten years. He is ready straight away and that's what we wanted.
"Shefki is a good, honest pro who will give us a strong physical presence from the bench."
Newcastle have had to acquire a free agent as they were unable to bring in a replacement for Carroll because his dramatic move to Liverpool went through so late on transfer deadline day.
Kuqi, who celebrates his goals with a flying bellyflop, first came to England 10 years ago with Stockport County and has played for Sheffield Wednesday Ipswich, Blackburn, Crystal Palace and Fulham.
He signed for the Swans a year ago and scored seven goals in 24 appearances either side of a loan three-month loan spell at Derby.
Meanwhile, Ameobi underwent surgery on Wednesday and the club hope he could return quicker than the original estimate of six weeks
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