Man Utd desperate on Obafemi

22.08.2007

Obafemi Martins

ALEX Ferguson has expressed his wish to land Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins following goal drought by the Red Devils.

Ferguson told The Sun of London that he had hit the panic button and put the word out: I need a striker now.

Manchester United has scored just once in three games, no thanks to injuries to forwards Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha. Cristiano Ronaldo is on suspension.

Ferguson’s desperation has forced him to make enquiries about Obafemi as he bids to solve his early-season goalscoring crisis.

Ferguson has also been linked with Bolton’s French international striker, Nicolas Anelka. And Spurs ace, Dimitar Berbatov is still keen on a move to United, which was linked with the Bulgarian at the end of last season.

Fergie’s problem is he has spent a fortune this summer and there is very little left to play with — Berbatov would cost in the region of £25m.

However, Obafemi has a £13m release clause in his contract and Toon boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he is powerless to stop the Nigerian leaving if any club matches the price.

The Nigerian told SunSport last weekend that he was ready to sign a six-year contract and remove the clause from any new agreement. But the lure of a possible move to Old Trafford might change his mind.

Obafemi’s scoring record is what Fergie is looking for. He bagged 17 last season and already has two this time round. United’s French striker Louis Saha is expected to return to action in the next fortnight.

But he is a fragile figure who could easily break down again, while Wayne Rooney is out for two months with a broken foot. If Fergie could ensure Saha stays fit, the manager may give the cheque-book a rest but he cannot guarantee it.

United would face competition from rival Manchester City should it move for Anelka, 28. The hotshot has been offered to both clubs by his representatives - but Bolton wants £12m. City initially rejected the chance to buy its former hitman.

But Sven Goran Eriksson has done a U-turn after new £6m striker Valeri Bojinov was ruled out for four months with a knee injury.