Big Sam: No Martins move
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has pourned scorn on rumours linking United with a move for Magpies striker Obafemi Martins.
The Nigerian has a much-publicised release clause in his contract, allowing any club bidding an alleged £13million to open talks with him over a transfer.
United's injury problems upfront, allied to a shortage of goals in the season's early games, has prompted speculation of moves for a host of strikers, including Martins.
However, Allardyce said: “We all know the situation regarding the clause in Obafemi’s contract, but no one has enquired about activating it since I’ve been here.
“We’ve had a massive amount of speculation all summer, but not one football club has made contact with us saying, ‘We’re going to activate the clause’.
"Manchester United are the same, they’ve made no contact whatsoever and he’s still a Newcastle player.”
With the transfer window closing at the end of the month, Allardyce expects Martins to remain at St James' Park this season.
"The only way he wouldnÂ’t be a Newcastle player (beyond next week) is if someone activates that clause," he said. "But no one has."