Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness has revealed that Osasuna targeted Patrick Kluivert during January’s transfer window.

The Spanish side are comfortably in mid-table and through to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey but they have been struggling for goals and lost forward Ibrahima Bakayoko last month.

Former Barcelona striker Kluivert has struggled to show his undoubted class at St James’ Park although his first team prospects have been enhanced by Craig Bellamy’s departure for Celtic.

“Osasuna did come in for Kluivert before the transfer window closed,” stated Souness. “But we did not want to let him go.

“We know what he can do and I am still confident we can get the best out of him, hopefully starting in Holland on Thursday night.

“He will be in our starting line-up and, if he needed any incentive to do well, he should be able to turn it on in front of his own folk.”