Magpies manager Alan Pardew lost the services of Carroll on the final day of the transfer window when Liverpool swooped in a dramatic £35million deal. Pardew then saw Shola Ameobi suffer a fractured cheekbone in the 1-0 defeat at Fulham on 2 February to further deplete his choices in attack. That has left just Leon Best, Nile Ranger and Peter Lovenkrands as Pardew's recognised attacking options. Voth Best and Ranger are also struggling with knocks, with Pardew explaining: "Both Nile and Leon are due to train again on Thursday without any problems and that is obviously a bonus for us as we are very short. "We are still looking to see if we can sign someone to beef us up in that area. We are going to a make decision on Wednesday as to whether there is anyone available who can do that. "There aren't many to choose from on the free agent list as you can imagine, but we have done the necessary research and now we are about to make a decision on whether we're going to do something." Ameobi is ahead of schedule in his recovery - originally quoted at two months - but United are also rumoured to be considering deals for former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere and Brazilian striker Ewerthon. Having seen Carroll's exit come too late in the day before the transfer window closed to bring in a replacement from another club, the St James' Park side have been scouring the free agent market for possibilities. Experienced Finn Kuqi is available after having his contract with Championship side Swansea terminated by mutual consent last month. The powerful 34-year-old forward, who has played for Stockport, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich, Blackburn and Crystal Palace, would bring a physical presence to the Magpies' front line.
