Newcastle make double bid

Newcastle have tabled offers for Nicolas Anelka and Luis Boa Morte.

The club are stepping up their search for strikers following the departure of Craig Bellamy and Patrick Kluivert.

And Shepherd told the club’s website, www.nufc.co.uk, that bids have been put to Fenerbahce for striker Anelka and to Fulham for forward Boa Morte.

“We have made an offer to Fulham for Luis Boa Morte, and we’ve also tabled a bid with Fenerbahce for Nicolas Anelka,” said Shepherd.

“We are now waiting for replies from both clubs.”

Manager Graeme Souness added at this morning’s press conference: “I understand we have been in contact with the clubs so we’ve got to see what reaction we get.”

Souness has switched attention to strengthening his striking options after landing midfield targets Scott Parker and Emre.

Meanwhile Hugo Viana looks to be joining the exodus from St James’ Park.

Viana is training with the Magpies having returned from a season-long loan deal with Sporting Lisbon but will not figure in tomorrow’s Intertoto Cup game with FK ZTS Dubnica following talks with Souness.