Allardyce eyes January replacements

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce will look to add proven quality to his squad during the January transfer widow as the demands of the African Nations Cup hit hard.

The Magpies will lose four players – leading scorer Obafemi Martins, skipper Geremi and defenders Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye – for up to six weeks after Manchester City’s visit to St James’ Park on January 2.