Stoke chairman Peter Coates has dismissed speculation linking the club with a bid for Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins.

Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins admits he would like to help Newcastle back into the Premier League, but he knows the crisis-torn club are likely to sell him.

The pacy striker’s agent claims that three Premier League teams are in the hunt to secure his services…

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Obafemi Martins has been ruled out for six weeks because of groin surgery which could leave him in limbo at St James’ Park.

Obafemi Martins insists Newcastle must only focus on Aston Villa as they look to beat the drop.

Michael Owen could start against Middlesbrough with Obafemi Martins likely to miss out.

The 24-year-old striker used to follow the fortunes of Newcastle’s Premier League rivals from his armchair but his side’s current plight has caused him to pull the plug.

Alan Shearer has vowed to stick by his misfiring strikers to haul Newcastle out of the relegation scrap. The Toon boss gambled with Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins against Portsmouth on Monday and still came away without goal in the 0-0 draw.

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer will consider unleashing Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka in a bid to save the club from the drop.Viduka returned from almost two months out with an Achilles problem in the defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, with Shearer’s men struggling to create chances until the Australia striker and Martins came off the bench.

ottenham Hotspur's Darren Bent (Right) challenges Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper. Reuters.Darren Bent scored to give Tottenham a 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Sunday and push the Magpies closer to relegation from the Premier League. Bent scored in the 24th minute at White Hart Lane. Obafemi Martins missed a chance to equalize for Newcastle in the 87th. Tottenham. . . .