Pardew drops Bothroyd hint

Published Jan. 15, 2011 7:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Magpies have been strongly linked with a move for the England striker in this month's transfer window with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season. Cardiff have offered Bothroyd a new deal, but the former Arsenal and Coventry man has yet to agree a contract extension meaning he could leave on a free transfer in the summer. Bothroyd expressed his desire to remain with Cardiff on social network site Twitter, saying: "Newcastle is a great club but I'm really happy at Cardiff." However, reports suggest Newcastle are ready to step up their efforts to land the 28-year-old next week by tabling a firm bid for his services. Pardew was trying to remain coy on his interest in Bothroyd, but admits he is a huge admirer of the forward. "The only thing I'd want to say is that Jay is a player I admire," said Pardew. "I wouldn't want to add any more to that."