From the Journal

United head chase to sign Honduras star

Jason Mellor

NEWCASTLE are closing in on Honduran prospect Jairo Martinez but face stiff competition from some of Europe's top clubs if they are to land the highly-rated striker. Arsenal, AC Milan and Espanyol are also interested in the speedy 22-year-old, who is available at #1.5m.

Martinez's Honduran club Motagua, who recently sold defender Ivan Guerrero to Coventry City, are keen to hang on to their prize asset, but are resigned to losing a player expected to enjoy a bright future by his national press. Despite Duncan Ferguson's return to Everton last night being on the brink of collapse, Bobby Robson still has at his disposal a large chunk of the #3m raked in from Steve Howey's departure to Premiership new boys Manchester City, so financing the deal does not prove problematic. Newcastle have an extensive scouting system in Central and South America. And with Paraguay's Diego Gavilan having settled well in the North-East, along with recent Argentinian imports Daniel Cordone and Cristian Bassedas, the club are not afraid to pursue players from this part of the world.

Newcastle were linked in the Honduran press with a #650,000 move for Martinez in March, since when his price has risen sharply following interest from a host of European and South American clubs. West Ham and Coventry City are also monitoring the situation, although Robson's standing in the world game is a major factor in Newcastle's favour and, at this point, the Tyneside club remain well in the hunt. Fellow Honduran international Milton Nunez has so far failed to make an impression at Sunderland. But the feeling from Central America is that Martinez has the pace, strength and control to make the grade at the highest level in this country with the expectation being that he will make a decision on his future in the next few weeks.

Martinez, full name Jairo Mafredo Martinez, was part of the Honduras squad which reached the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Gold Cup - Central America's version of Euro 2000 - in the United States in February, making substitute appearances in the 2-0 group win over Colombia and 5-3 last-eight defeat by a Peru side missing United's Nolberto Solano due to injury. He is seen as a key member of national coach Ramon Maradiaga's plans as Honduras bid to qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals and is also likely to receive a call-up to the squad for the Olympics next month.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

Answers

No but I'd rather we bought somebody like Mark Burchill from Celtic. Leave all the Hondurans etc to Monkey Heed down the road.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000