Under-fire Souness’ striker search goes on

NEWCASTLE manager Graeme Souness has shrugged off speculation over his future and is concentrating solely on recruiting the strikers he needs to kickstart the season.

The goalless draw against West Ham sparked a fans’ backlash and led to claims the manager is on the brink of losing his job.

The Magpies created only a handful of chances with lone striker Alan Shearer hopelessly isolated against the Hammers defence, even when the Londoners were reduced to 10 men.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd was swift to dismiss the suggestion Souness’ position was under threat, and the Scot refused to fan the flames as he prepared for tomorrow night’s Premiership trip to Bolton.

Striker Shola Ameobi has now completed his three-match ban and will be available for selection at Bolton, but Souness was yesterday hoping for a breakthrough in his pursuit of Deportivo La Coruna striker Albert Luque.

He confirmed at the weekend that the Magpies have agreed terms with the player, who has been left out of Depor’s squad for tonight’s night’s Intertoto Cup final second leg clash with Marseille.

It is understood a proposal to include Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana as a makeweight has been rejected and Newcastle’s cash offer of around £7.5million is below the Spaniards’ valuation.