The latest of Steve McClaren's former Derby County charges to be linked to Newcastle United is forward Chris Martin - but there are another three clubs reportedly interested in the 26-year-old as well. According to clubcall.com, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United and the Magpies are all looking to sign Martin, who netted 21 goals in 46 games across all competitions for the Rams last season. Derby's automatic promotion push faltered towards the end of the 2014-15 campaign once Martin was struck down by injury - and McClaren believes the five-cap Scotland international could add a new dimension to his Magpies side. A battering ram of a centre-forward, Martin plays football very much in the Andy Carroll mode of striking. At 26 he still has time to make it in the Premier League - and he would bring with him plenty of Championship experience. Having started his career at Norwich City, loan spells at Luton Town, Palace, Swindon Town and Derby all followed. A permanent move to the latter proved to be the making of Martin, however, and under McClaren's management he netted 46 goals in 97 appearances over two seasons. That scoring record could prove tempting enough for the Magpies to make a move - particularly if McClaren wants Martin to spearhead his Newcastle attack, just as he did at Derby. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
