By Nick Raynor
August 9 2006

Newcastle United are interested in 2 strikers; Dirk Kuyt and Obafemi Martins. Roeder has stated that only 1, if any, of these strikers will play in a Newcastle strip next year.

It seems Roeder may be growing desperate to bring in a striker before the transfer window closes as he was quite clear when it opened that he wanted someone with Premiership experience, which neither player has.

 

Links with Kuyt have been ongoing for weeks now but the striker remains contracted to Feyenoord.

 

Roeder, however, watched the 25-year-old on Sunday in Amsterdam and told the press he is interested in the player.

 

Roeder said:

 

"He played well.

 

"I did not see any reason why we should not go and watch him again. We will be studying him again at the weekend as we are two or three other strikers.

 

"But that does not mean we are going to be bidding for him, or that he is coming here."

 

It is however reported that Liverpool are still interested in the striker, so Newcastle may have to act quickly.

 

Inter forward Obafemi Martins is a more recent link with Newcastle after the arrival of Hernan Crespo in Italy.

 

The 22 year-old is one of the fastest strikers in Europe, who can run the 100 meters in about 11 seconds.

 

He may compliment target man Shola Ameobi perfectly, possibly rekindling a similar style of partnership to the one held by Shearer and Bellamy.

 

The youngster is reported to have handed in a transfer request after Crespo arrived at the San Siro and Glenn Roeder have confirmed Newcastle are interested.

 

Roeder said:

 

"If Martins became available then we would be interested."

 

Feyenoord do not seem keen to let Kuyt go with prices about £13 million being quoted. The price for Martins is not so clear, with different media sections quoting anything from a bargain £4 million to a elaborate £15 million.

 

Roeder has also stated that only one player, if any, will come to St. James’ Park.

 

Roeder said:

 

''Which one ends up at Newcastle, I wouldn't like to say. There's no certainty about any of the strikers we're looking at coming to Newcastle.''