Newcastle are considering an 11th-hour loan move for Blackburn's frozen-out striker Egil Ostenstad.

Boss Bobby Robson is desperate to find a replacement for injured Alan Shearer at Arsenal tomorrow.

Norwegian international Ostenstad is viewed as a possible short- term answer to the Geordies' front-line crisis, even though he can't get a game at Ewood Park.

Robson, also without Carl Cort and Kevin Gallacher, is exploring the loan market while Newcastle wait for an EC decision on transfers.

Former Newcastle boss Kenny Dalglish wanted Ostenstad but was put off at the time by Southampton's £7m price tag.

The Norwegian is now available for a fraction of that price but Newcastle are unlikely to splash out while there is doubt over the future of the transfer system in Europe.

Robson may be forced to rely on Daniel Cordone and Lomana Lualua at Highbury if he fails to bring in a new face by noon today.

Head coach Mick Wadsworth said yesterday that the club was "exploring various avenues."

Steve Caldwell and Aaron Hughes will get the chance to ease Robson's defensive headaches. Hughes returned to training yesterday after suffering concussion and a badly-bruised mouth at Aston Villa.

Marcelino could make a surprise return as well if the Newcastle boss decides to pack the defence.

The £6m Spaniard, who expects to be sold when his country's transfer window opens next week, has not played since the opening day defeat at Manchester United.

But he made a successful comeback for the reserves this week against Bradford City and should win at least a place on the bench.