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 Boltons 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.
Fergies 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.
Martins scoring record is what Fergie is looking for. He bagged 17
last season and already has two this time round.
Uniteds 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.
