Martins Puts Sam In A Spin
We all know of the interest in Michael Owen, and that can only grow if he plays a blinder for England in the coming fixtures at Turf Moor and Wembley, but now Juventus are planning a swoop for Owen's strike partner Obafemi Martins.
Juve have confirmed they will be playing in Serie A next season after a season out in the wilderness, and manager Didier Deschamps has already made Martins one of his summer targets.
Although Allardyce suggested he would be reluctant to lose the 22-year-old, the situation could be out of his hands if Deschamps comes up with the money and player (as it showed before the Watford game) wants to get out of Toon.
The Newcastle has claimed the club's players will all start with a clean slate under his rule, but Martins cast his future in doubt.
Glenn Roeder paid Inter Milan £10m for the African last summer and any offer above that could coax Freddy Shepherd to sell, even though Oba scored 17 times in his maiden season in United colours.
Martins completed the campaign as the club's leading marksman, and Allardyce could have the most envied strike partneship in the Premiership if he can keep hold of Michael Owen and Martins.