Desperate Alex eyes up Martins
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Alex Ferguson has hit the panic button and put the word out: I need a striker NOW.
The shock new name on his radar is Newcastle frontman Obafemi Martins.
We can reveal Manchester United boss Fergie has made enquiries about Martins as he bids to solve his early-season goalscoring crisis.
His side have netted just once in three games.
Ferguson has also been linked with BoltonÂ’s French international striker Nicolas Anelka.
And Spurs ace Dimitar Berbatov is still keen on a move to United, who were linked with the Bulgarian at the end of last season.
Fergie’s problem is he has spent a fortune this summer and there is very little left to play with — Berbatov would cost in the region of £25m.
However, Martins has a £13m release clause in his contract and Toon boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he is powerless to stop the Nigerian leaving if any club matches the price.
Martins, 22, told SunSport last weekend that he was ready to sign a six-year contract and remove the clause from any new agreement.
But the lure of a possible move to Old Trafford might change his mind.
MartinsÂ’ scoring record is what Fergie is looking for. He bagged 17 last season and already has two this time round.
UnitedÂ’s French striker Louis Saha is expected to return to action in the next fortnight.
But he is a fragile figure who could easily break down again, while Wayne Rooney is out for two months with a broken foot.
If Fergie could ensure Saha stays fit, the manager may give the cheque-book a rest but he cannot guarantee it.
United would face competition from rivals Manchester City should they move for Anelka, 28.
The hotshot has been offered to both clubs by his representatives — but Bolton want £12m.
City initially rejected the chance to buy their former hitman.
But Sven Goran Eriksson has done a U-turn after new £6m striker Valeri Bojinov was ruled out for four months with a knee injury. -
if newcastle have any sense they shouldnt sell.
martins is definitely the best player at newcastle. -
It will be great news if he chose United. Maybe swap with Saha or something.
Cheers.
CK -
newcastle wont want saha. he is another owen.
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they don't have a choice. there is a release clause.Originally posted by dragg:if newcastle have any sense they shouldnt sell.
martins is definitely the best player at newcastle.
unless they get martins to sign the new contract and remove that clause asap. -
tink martine will move to OT..the lure to play for the champ n CL will be too gd to turn down
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but is he the first choice?
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I'd rather he goes for Anelka. No disrespect to Martins, but i'd really rather have a tall guy upfront so that they can play that way, lone targetman, if needed.
Rooney doesn't have enough height, neither does Tevez, so we do need someone tall.
Still, if Martins does come, it won't be too bad. Nesta once said that the hardest striker to mark for him was Obafemi Martins. That says a lot. -
He shouldn't have sold Rossi.
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tall? anelka, how many goals he scored with his head? I think same as Henry..Originally posted by Othello_Red:I'd rather he goes for Anelka. No disrespect to Martins, but i'd really rather have a tall guy upfront so that they can play that way, lone targetman, if needed.
Rooney doesn't have enough height, neither does Tevez, so we do need someone tall.
Still, if Martins does come, it won't be too bad. Nesta once said that the hardest striker to mark for him was Obafemi Martins. That says a lot.
maybe we get Jan Koller, 6-7. I think still boils down to how MUFC plays lah. -
who in the world would expect Rooney to be injured again by a Chelsea player, sorry, ex chelsea player...Originally posted by Slipshade:He shouldn't have sold Rossi.
and then ronaldo got 3 games suspension..
given the time rossi spend in the first team, he or smith may not have make any positive impact lor. or maybe... -
Wasn't a certain Zigic being mooted as a possible out and out striker for United?
He's supposed to be tall and strong, and Fergie does like his team to be able to deliver crosses doesn't he? -
anelka is a well known sulker in the footbaling world,i won't want him to wreck the harmony in united's changing roomOriginally posted by Othello_Red:I'd rather he goes for Anelka. No disrespect to Martins, but i'd really rather have a tall guy upfront so that they can play that way, lone targetman, if needed.
Rooney doesn't have enough height, neither does Tevez, so we do need someone tall.
Still, if Martins does come, it won't be too bad. Nesta once said that the hardest striker to mark for him was Obafemi Martins. That says a lot.
go for martins,he's quick,STRONG,gd in the air,has a potent shot.. -
He's with Valencia nowOriginally posted by Othello_Red:Wasn't a certain Zigic being mooted as a possible out and out striker for United?
He's supposed to be tall and strong, and Fergie does like his team to be able to deliver crosses doesn't he?
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Dang, maybe they can hand over Villa then?Originally posted by omgukilledkenny:He's with Valencia now -
i just remembered Martins will be involved in the African Nations Cup...that means he'll be missing for a couple of months?
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not to worry..by then rooney will be back n tevez will be playing fine
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NICK NIC
EXCLUSIVE Fergie & Sven fight it out for £12M Anelka
By David Mcdonnell 29/08/2007
Manchester United and Manchester City are locked in a fierce battle to sign Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka before Friday's transfer deadline.
Sir Alex Ferguson wants £12million Anelka to solve his striker crisis at United, while City manager Sven Goran Eriksson is keen to bring the Frenchman back to his former club to inject some quality into his front line. With Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha injured and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having announced his retirement, Carlos Tevez is the only fit recognised striker United boss Fergie currently has at his disposal.
Fergie had hoped to sign Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, but Spurs have refused to sell their £25mrated star and the United boss has been forced to turn his attention to the brooding Anelka.
Although United are hopeful Rooney will have recovered from a broken foot in three to four weeks, there are concerns over the long-term fitness of Saha, with Fergie knowing he needs more cover up front.
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Limit And with Tevez set to make a 21,000-mile roundtrip to Australia to play for Argentina just days before United's lunchtime trip to Everton on September 15, Fergie's striking options have been stretched to the limit.
Solskjaer knew his glittering career was over last week when his persistent knee problem flared up again and left him with no option but to retire after 11 glorious years at Old Trafford.
He said: "My knees have told my head 'you have to stop'. My knees will be important for me just to function in everyday life and for my quality of life.
"I will start to educate myself as a coach now and start my next career in football on the other side of the white line. That's what I want to do.
"It was an easy decision. I was training last week and the knee blew up a bit again so I've reached the end of the line."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2007/08/29/nick-nic-89520-19701892/ -
oh man. rooney injured. saha perenially injured. tevez unfit and/or unsettled
rossi sold. smith sold. not that these 2 will be prolific scorers.
berbatov juz signed a new contract. no hope liao.
left martins and anelka.... why not martins?
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martins is younger and he has a release clause.
beats getting an older sulker.
and i 4got to mention 2OLEGEND has retired