Bolton Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson has confirmed the club are still exploring the option of bringing Sammy Ameobi in on-loan, according to The Shields Gazette.

Newcastle United recalled Ameobi from his current six-month loan deal with Bolton at the beginning of the month, but the Lancashire club remain hopeful they can re-sign the forward until the end of the season.

Magpies boss Rafa Benitez has given the 22-year old hope for the future in the Northeast, hinting that he could remain at the club as cover for players lost to the African Cup of Nations.

Parkinson, whose side are currently second in the Sky Bet League One table, said he did not believe the deal was dead, and that the player could still return to the club. The former Bradford boss didn’t seem too worried as Newcastle “have called quite a few of their loan players back to thicken out their squad.”

With the January transfer window now open, Parkinson, who is looking to do business as he aims to guide Bolton back to the Championship, admitted the club were looking at other options:

“We're also looking for players to replace him, because we need to make sure the squad remains strong.”

Ameobi will not be eligible to play in the FA Cup for Newcastle’s tie against Birmingham this weekend, as he has already featured for Bolton in the same competition.

Bolton fans… Would you like to see Ameobi return to your club in January? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!