By Matthew Jones
July 16 2005

26-year-old Nicolas Anelka, who has had spells with Arsenal, City and Liverpool in the Premiership, is keen on a move to Tyneside according to Magpies' boss Graeme Souness. He has also had spells at Real Madrid, Paris St Germain, and is now currently at Fenerbahce. GRAEME SOUNESS: "I know Nicolas is desperate to come here.

"I have done a lot of checks on him and everyone is telling me that he has got his head right; he's a much more settled lad. It would not be a risk.

"Last season was not great for him, but no-one can say that Nicolas Anelka is not a proven, top goalscorer and there are not that many around who are available."

The striker departed Manchester City in January when he joined Fenerbahce for £7 million, and Souness has admitted to trying to sign the French forward as he left City.

Newcastle desperately need at least one new striker, with Alan Shearer, Michael Chopra and Shola Ameobi the only professional strikers available following the departure of Craig Bellamy and Patrick Kluivert.

In fact, Sheaerer and Chopra will be the only strikers available for the time being, with Ameobi ruled out of the start of the season as he recovers from a hip operation.

It is not known whether or not Fenerbahce would be willing to allow Anelka to leave.