Martins staying put

Posted on 27th August 2007

Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort has denied rumours that they have received a bid for striker Obafemi Martins - or for the club itself. Speculation has been rife that the Nigerian striker may be sold before this week’s transfer deadline after he was substituted with twenty minutes to go in Sunday’s 2-2 Tees-Tyne derby draw at Middlesbrough.

“The Club is not going to get drawn in to commenting on press speculation in the sports pages,” said Mort. “I think most fans appreciate that there are those that make mischief by circulating stories about players and clubs. We have not, for example, had offers for Obafemi Martins or, for that matter, for the Club itself. Rather than reacting each time stories such as these appear in the press any developments at the Club will be reported on the Club’s website.”

Meanwhile Mark Viduka has admitted he is glad to be off the mark for his new club. The forward scored during against his old club Middlesbrough during the weekend’s derby match. The goal put Newcastle United 2-1 up however Julio Arca’s equaliser ensured the Teessiders did not suffer a second successive Premier League defeat on home turf as an eventful afternoon ended all square.

“I was so happy and excited when it went in, I really didn't know what to do. I suppose you could say I toned my celebrations down,” said Viduka. “But yes, it was special to me coming to the Riverside and scoring my first goal for Newcastle United - and it goes without saying that I’m hoping it was the first of many. I’m very pleased about it. It was nice to get off the mark. It was very important for me.”

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