NEWCASTLE United have identified Ivory Coast striker Amara Diane as a possible replacement for Arsenal target Obafemi Martins.

Arsene Wenger was linked with a move for Martins last summer and the Gunners boss is weighing up a renewed approach for the Nigerian.

United boss Kevin Keegan has had no contact with Arsenal over Martins but there has been an inquiry for Paris St Germain striker Diane, according to the 25- year-old.

Keegan was at the Parc de Princes last Saturday to watch PSG draw with St Etienne. It was also an opportunity for Keegan to check on another target, St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

However, it would appear the Tynesiders would have a greater chance of landing Diane after Gomis expressed his preference to join a club in Italy.

A number of top European clubs are trailing Diane, who has just finished the Ligue 1 season with nine goals in 24 starts.

And the Ivorian has revealed he would jump at the chance to play at St James' Park under Keegan.

He said: "I know that there is contact between the two clubs. If they come to an agreement, I would go to Newcastle.

"Keegan is a coach that makes you dream. His team play attacking football, and playing in England would be a great opportunity for me.

"To play with Michael Owen would be great and there is also Obafemi Martins, who is a quality striker.

"The Premier League is very attractive and several of my Ivorian friends play there, so I would be in good company."

Keegan has moved to dismiss reports linking Owen with a move away from Tyneside after Premier League champions Manchester United were credited with an interest in the England striker at the weekend.

Former Liverpool striker Owen is seemingly happy with life on Tyneside after revealing how Keegan's arrival on Tyneside has lifted everybody at the club since his appointment in January.

"He's had a massive impact,"

said Owen.

"It was never going to happen straight away, not only did we have some tough games, but a lot of the lads were low on confidence.

"The only reason you lose a manager is because results have not been good.

"The confidence wasn't high, but if you could ever ask for a man to pick players up and get the best out of them then it's Kevin Keegan, and I think there's more improvement to come in that respect."

Owen in particular has benefited since Keegan's arrival. The striker was made captain and has repaid the Newcastle manager's faith in him by scoring nine goals in 16 games, averting fears of relegation.

"We all enjoy training and playing alongside each other and he has brought a real feel-good factor into the club," said Owen.

It has been reported that Newcastle United duo Charles N'Zogbia and Abdoulaye Faye were involved in a bust-up just hours before Sunday's final game of the season at Everton. The pair had to be separated following an alleged dispute over wages.

9:01am Thursday 15th May 2008

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