Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has hinted he could make a move for Wigan's Leighton Baines.

Allardyce is working hard to bring in defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season and a new left-back is one of his top targets.

Baines' future at Wigan has been the subject of intense speculation all summer with the player snubbing a move to Sunderland after holding talks with the Premier League new boys.

Wigan also rejected a player plus cash offer from Everton for the England Under 21 international at the end of last month.

Newcastle are now ready to enter the bidding for Baines with Allardyce a big admirer of the talented full-back.

"Leighton Baines might be a possibility," Allardyce told the Daily Star. "He hasn't moved from Wigan yet and we need a defender."

Speculation has been rife about the Newcastle bagging Baines, but Reading left back Nicky Shorey could also be a possibility as he has just rejected a new contract with his current club.