There was no official confirmation from the club, but sources on Tyneside are hopeful that a deal can be struck ahead of tomorrow night’s transfer deadline.

Ireland would become Pardew's second January signing after Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa completed a permanent move despite not playing since suffering a double leg fracture just four games into a season-long loan deal.

His addition would come as a welcome boost with Alan Smith having been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury and star striker Andy Carroll struggling to shake off a thigh problem.

Cork-born Ireland, who has maintained his self-imposed exile from international football despite a series of approaches from Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni, has struggled to rediscover his best form since making an £8m switch to Villa from Manchester City last summer.

He made his debut for the midlands club at St James’ Park on August 22, and it was a day he will remember with little pleasure as Newcastle romped to a 6-0 win in which Carroll scored his first Barclays Premier League hat-trick.

If the move goes through, Ireland could make his debut at Fulham on Wednesday evening.