Avram Grant is odds-on to be the next Premiership manager sacked after West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Birmingham last weekend…

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi on a free transfer.

The Magpies have signed the forward as they are desperately short of options in attack having sold Andy Carroll to Liverpool on deadline day and lost Shola Ameobi for several weeks with a fractured cheekbone.

The 34-year-old was available on a free transfer having cancelled his contract at Swansea last month by mutual consent and he has agreed a short-term deal until the end of the season at St James’ Park.

“We needed another option up front, because we’re a little light there due to the temporary loss of Shola, and Shefki will provide us with something different,” Newcastle boss Alan Pardew told the club’s official website.

“He’s match fit and knows the English game well having been in the country for the best part of ten years. He is ready straight away and that’s what we wanted.

“Shefki is a good, honest pro who will give us a strong physical presence from the bench.”

Avram Grant is odds-on to be the next Premiership manager sacked after West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Birmingham last weekend…

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