TOWN could yet secure the services of Newcastle United striker Calvin Zola-Makongo, despite the Football League's initial refusal to sanction the deal.

Andy King wants to bring the Kinshasha-born forward to the County Ground on loan but he will not be heading south in time for the Bank Holiday games against Notts County and Bournemouth.

Clubs with a troubled financial history must justify all moves in the transfer market to League HQ and prove that they are not spending money they do not possess or that creditors will miss payments as a consequence.

Sir Bobby Robson has agreed to the 18-year-old joining on loan but such a deal is meaningless unless the League agree to it.

Town chief executive Mark Devlin said: "We are rather non-plussed about the situation and are working to find out why there is a problem.

"In terms of wages, bringing this lad in a for a month is not exactly going to break the bank.

"I could understand the Football League's attitude if we were trying to get in Gianfranco Zola.

"The CVA money was paid so it can't be that. We have kept the League fully up to date with our circumstances.

"So it is a 'no' at the moment but that's not to say the deal cannot be resurrected if that's what Andy (King) wants to do.

"I would hope agreement can be reached."

The Town boss is worried that an injury to either of his two first-choice strikers will leave him lacking punch in attack.

Zola-Makongo was part of Newcastle's title-winning under 17 side and during the 2001-2 campaign blasted 17 goals in 23 matches.

King watched the 6ft 3in striker net twice for Newcastle's reserves in 4-2 win at Everton in midweek, a game which drew national interest due to the appearance of Wayne Rooney.

However, King's attention was firmly focused on the Newcastle forward.

He said: "The boy is someone I have looked at because as I've made clear, I don't think I've got the strength in depth that I want.

"It's no good going on about this lad though as, as things stand, the League have said no."