Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Sam cools Martins rumours

23 Aug 2007 - 12:58:04

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Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has played down rumours linking striker Obafemi Martins with an imminent move away from St James' Park.

Both Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the 22-year-old Nigerian, who has scored 19 goals in 48 appearances for the Magpies since his arrival from Internazionale.

However, Allardyce told The Journal: "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, all through June, July and August, 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.

"There has been speculation about Obafemi Martins every week since I joined Newcastle and he's still here.

"I've had no contact from any football club either in this country or any other country. The only way he wouldn't be a Newcastle player beyond next week is if someone activates that clause, but no-one has."