Scholes makes check on Newcastle striker target - reports

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has reportedly made a personal check on Newcastle target Jordan Rhodes.

The Huddersfield striker has been in prolific form this season, having found the net 13 times in 15 appearances in Npower League One for Lee Clark's side.

According to the Daily Mail, Scholes - who has been performing scouting duties for Sir Alex Ferguson - has made an assessment of Rhodes, while Newcastle are also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old.

Rhodes is reported to have a release clause of £2 million written into his contract, and Huddersfield will struggle to keep hold of their prized asset in January, should United and Newcastle formalise their interest.

The winter acquisition of goalscoring reinforcements, however, is thought to be of greater concern for Alan Pardew than his Manchester United counterpart.

Ferguson already has the likes of Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck at his disposal, and will view Rhodes as a recruitment for the future.

Pardew, meanwhile, is still on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Andy Carroll, despite the potent form of Demba Ba so far this campaign.