Francesco Tavano is set to open talks with Newcastle about a possible move, according to the Empoli striker’s agent.

“A meeting about Francesco between Newcastle and Empoli has been scheduled,” his agent Stefano Guercini told datasport.it

Newcastle want to strengthen their forward line after Alan Shearer’s retirement and Michael Owen’s cruciate ligament injury, which means he will miss most of the forthcoming season.

Manager Glenn Roeder has also been linked with moves for West Ham’s Marlon Harewood and Dirk Kuyt of Feyenoord.

Tavano has scored 19 goals in each of his last two seasons with Empoli. He forward has also been linked to Valencia and Inter.