Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Sam fears Martins exit

28 Jun 2007 - 11:26:50

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Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce fears losing Obafemi Martins amid speculation linking the striker with a move to Arsenal.

The Nigeria international has a £13million buyout clause in his contract and has been touted as a possible replacement for Thierry Henry at the north London club.

Martins overcame a slow start to score 17 times in his debut Premier League season following his £10million move from Internazionale last summer.

But Allardyce is concerned the frontman could be lured away before the new season starts.

"All I can say from the club's point of view and mine is that it is only speculation because we have had no official contact from anybody at Arsenal at the moment," said Allardyce.

"Everybody knows about the clause situation he has - that leaves us in a very poor position as a football club.

"We have got the player contracted, it does not mean we have got the player and we can decide if we want to sell him or not because there is a get-out clause in that contract.

"We are left in a very precarious position regarding that. All the speculation that is flying around is difficult to cope with, but it is something we will have to try to find out over the next few days.

"When Oba comes back, we will sit down and say 'what exactly is the situation?' and if he has any problems, try to resolve them and hopefully persuade him Newcastle is the place for him next season."

Meanwhile, Allardyce has revealed his interest in signing Chelsea's versatile defender Geremi.