Newcastle United are poised to make a renewed attempt to lure Colchester United striker Lomana Tresor Lua Lua to St James's Park.

The Premiership giants had a £250,000 bid turned down by the U's earlier in the season but now they are planning another raid.

Newcastle chief Bobby Robson is considering a renewed offer -- thought to be around £500,000 -- to tempt the talented teenager away from Layer Road.

With clauses built into the deal depending on first appearances for the Magpies, that figure could rise to well over £1m.

It is understood Newcastle have been given all the encouragement they need that the eight-goal striker will be free to leave the club when their Second Division future is known.

The U's are reluctant to let their talismanic front-runner leave while they are battling against the drop, but that could all change if they pass the safety barrier.

Former U's chief Mick Wadsworth, now coach at St James's Park, is a big admirer of the 19-year-old and recommended him to Robson when he accepted a coaching role at the club in September.

And it is Wadsworth who could hold the key to any potential move. He handed Lua Lua his debut against Chesterfield last season and rates him as the most exciting talents in the country.

Robson has been keeping tabs on the youngster all season and has had him watched on a number of occasions.

Lua Lua, who scored the winner in last weekend's 5-4 win over Bristol Rovers, has been attracting a host of other top clubs. Tottenham director of football David Pleat has been a frequent visitor to Layer Road this season but they have yet to follow up an initial inquiry.

Ipswich Town are also watching Lua Lua but it is Newcastle who are leading the race for one of the hottest properties in the Second Division.

U's boss Steve Whitton, who is desperate to hold onto his rising star, said: "I haven't heard anything and Lomana is not for sale.

"He is under contract with us and will be staying at Layer Road. We want to keep hold of our better players, not sell them. If he keeps developing as a player then it is inevitable other clubs will be interested in him but as far as I am concerned he is not for sale.

"He is under contract to us for another season and a half and I expect him to be with this club for the remainder of that period."

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