Souness steps up striker search ahead of Depor tie

GRAEME SOUNESS will inject new urgency into his striker search this week after another injury blow exposed Newcastle’s attacking shortcomings.

Michael Chopra’s withdrawal with concussion in the second half of the Magpies’ Intertoto Cup cruise over Dubnica means Souness’ men could travel to Deportivo La Coruna next week with only one fit forward on their books.

Alan Shearer’s late brace sealed that much tougher European date with Newcastle edging closer towards mainstream continental competition via the backdoor.

But progression has come at a price, with midfielder Jermaine Jenas also a major doubt after suffering a recurrence of the mystery injury which has already threatened to ruin his pre-season preparations.

Souness, who revealed the club are in talks to sign Australian international Craig Moore, said of his striker shortage: “We will deal with it. Everyone knows we are in the market for strikers and hopefully very soon we will have more than just one fit striker.”

Newcastle are set to hear this week whether their undisclosed bid to bring Nicolas Anelka back to the Premiership has been successful.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd is believed to be ready to stretch for the Frenchman, whose much publicised baggage does not concern Souness following a discussion with Anelka’s former Manchester City chief Kevin Keegan.

Shepherd is believed to have sanctioned a £7million move to test the resolution of Turkish club Fenerbahce, who claim that Anelka was not for sale for anything under an improbable £10million.

And Souness is also unlikely to give up easily in the chase for Fulham’s prized asset Luis Boa Morte despite the Cottagers rejecting Newcastle’s first bid last week.

Middlesbrough have also joined the race for Boa Morte but reports from London suggest the Portuguese international is keen on a move to St James’ Park.