Allardyce convinced of striker future

Premier League / Editor / 02 July 2007 / Leave a Comment

Sam Allardyce is "100%" convinced Michael Owen will still be a Newcastle player when the new Premiership season kicks off on August 11.

Owen, who has a £9million release clause in his contract, has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and, more recently, Manchester City during the close season.

The England striker has met with Allardyce but has still to give any public assurances that he will be at St James' Park come the big kick-off.

However, when asked if the £17million star would be staying, manager Allardyce told the Chronicle: "100% yes."

Allardyce is also keen to keep fellow striker Obafemi Martins despite speculation Arsenal are ready to activate a £13million release clause in his contract.

The former Bolton boss added: "I would love to say on August 11 we'll start with Shola Ameobi, Oba, Michael and Mark Viduka."

It would certainly be a massive boost for Newcastle to keep the two strikers at the club, who along with new recruit Viduka and Ameobi form an impressive quartet of front men, while Allardyce continues to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Having already brought in Joey Barton and David Rozehnal as well as Viduka, the Magpies are believed to be close to completing the signing of versatile Cameroon international Geremi.

The Toon have also been linked with a number of other players including Wayne Bridge, Lassana Diarra, Edmilson and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Newcastle are second favourites at 7 to win the Premiership without the Big Four, behind Tottenham, who are strongly fancied at 2.46 to emulate their fifth-place finish of last season.

Punters appear to expect Allardyce to steer the Geordies, who finished 13th last term, to a European place this season as the north-east outfit is trading at 3.15 for a top-six berth, behind the Big Four and Spurs, who are all odds-on.