Friday, August 25, 2006

Newcastle land Martins

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Newcastle United have confirmed the capture of Internazionale striker Obafemi Martins in a £10 million deal.
The talented Nigerian has put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract after successfully negotiating personal terms at St James' Park.
Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder saw Alan Shearer's retirement at the close of last season compounded by the injury sustained by Michael Owen at the World Cup, but he has now landed a replacement.
Securing the services of the pacey 21-year-old will be seen as something of a coup, with the player to watch his new team-mates in action on Thursday evening against Ventspils in a Uefa Cup qualifier.
Just last season Martins signed a contract extension with Inter until 2010, but the summer arrivals of Hernan Crespo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic pushed him further down the pecking order and he has now decided to seek pastures new.
Having passed his medical Martins will go straight into Newcastle's squad for Sunday's Premiership clash with Aston Villa.