Joe Kinnear: 'Newcastle United need a new striker'

Newcastle United's incoming director of football Joe Kinnear has declared that securing a top striker will be his number one priority this summer.

Kinnear has reportedly signed a three-year deal to take on the senior role at St James' Park, with owner Mike Ashley deciding that manager Alan Pardew needs assistance with player acquisition.

The 66-year-old believes that top scorer Papiss Cisse needs help in attack next season, while admitting that he would keen to find out if a move for Andy Carroll is financially feasible.

He told The Sun: "I think we need another striker. Papiss Cisse was top scorer with 13 goals last season, the next best was Yohan Cabaye with six.

"There weren't enough goals from other players in and around the team for whatever reason. Alan will tell me why. I don't know the reasons, I only know the facts. But I will suggest we find somebody with the pedigree that guarantees you 15 goals a season.

"I gave Andy Carroll his first home start. He's an exceptionally strong and talented player. But I don't know what the score is with the financial side of Andy. It's something I intend to investigate."

Kinnear also gave an interview to talkSPORT last night, insisting that his wealth of contacts can only improve Newcastle next season.