Newcastle chasing Birmingham playmaker Sebastian Larsson

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has turned his attention to Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson as he attempts to increase his attacking resources.

Press Association Sport understands the Magpies have registered their interest in the 25-year-old Sweden international, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Pardew has made no secret of his desire to strengthen the supply lines to his strikers and having tied up a permanent move for Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa earlier this week, has turned to the former Arsenal trainee.

He revealed yesterday that the club had made an enquiry over an unnamed player and was awaiting a response.

The Newcastle manager has studiously avoided naming the men on his January shopping list, but has been linked with the likes of LA Galaxy's David Beckham and Tottenham's David Bentley in recent days.