Martins flying in for medical

Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins was heading for Tyneside on Thursday with a view to completing his 10million move to Newcastle.

The 21-year-old Nigeria international was flying in to undergo a medical and finalise his deal as manager Glenn Roeder's pursuit of a replacement for Alan Shearer neared its conclusion.

Martins is expected to be in the crowd at St James' Park for Thursday evening's UEFA Cup qualifier against Latvian side Ventspils, and is could go straight into the squad for the Barclays Premiership trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.