NEWCASTLE UNITED are keeping tabs on Norwegian young gun Joakim Rudolfsen, and Toon chief Chris Hughton could pounce for the 21-year-old striker when the January transfer window opens for business. The Chronicle understands that Rudolfsen was originally spotted by departed ex-transfer chief Dennis Wise, but the promising young goal-getter has remained on the Toon’s radar. What’s left of Wise and Tony Jimenez’s global scouting network is still in operation at St James’s due to the reluctance by Mike Ashley to retain Alan Shearer, who had major plans to revamp the club’s recruitment policy. However, United’s chief scout in Scandinavia, Norman Wooster, is still getting on with the job in that part of the world and Rudolfsen has been watched for little-known third-tier Norwegian side Mo IL this term. Rudolfsen – who netted a 14-minute first-half hat-trick recently against Asker – has fired in 18 goals in 18 games this season, but United would be grappling with bigger Norwegian sides like Rosenborg, Lillestrom and Bodo/Glimt, who could all offer him his chance in his native country’s top flight, the Tippeligaen. Hughton knows that he has limited funds to spend in January but Rudolfsen is understood to be available for a nominal fee. Rudolfsen would likely to be pitched straight into the reserves at Newcastle and would clearly be one for the future. But a source close to Mo IL told the Chronicle: “Everybody here knows that Newcastle have been watching him. “They are not alone though as many of the top clubs here in Norway also like the look of him. “He’s progressed very quickly in a short space of time. “English football is huge here in Norway and both the Premier League and the Championship are screened live here so he would need no introduction to the English game. “Any youngster from this part of the world would jump at the chance to play in England, especially at a club like Newcastle.” It was last weekend that a Newcastle scout was again spotted as Rudolfsen scored in Mo’s 2-1 victory over Kjelsås. :: Click here to see footage of Rudolfsen scoring (fast forward to 30 seconds in) | 
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