NEWCASTLE boss Kevin Keegan will use the money from Emre's departure to Turkish side Fenerbahce to fund a swoop for out-of-favour Liverpool fullback John Arne Riise.

Emre left Turkey's European Championships training camp at the weekend to discuss personal terms with Fenerbahce after Newcastle accepted an offer of around £4m.

That money has already been earmarked for a formal offer for Riise.

The Norwegian has been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, and Newcastle are also ready to make a move.

Keegan has prioritised the purchase of a left-back this summer as there is no experienced cover for the Magpies' current first-choice, Jose Enrique.

With seven years of Premier League experience under his belt, 27-year-old Riise would be able to make a seamless transition to Tyneside, and his ability to also play in midfield is another factor behind Newcastle's interest.

With Emre having agreed to return to his homeland, and fellow left-midfielder Charles N'- Zogbia also likely to leave this summer, the Magpies are short of left-footed options.

Riise's versatility effectively enables him to solve two problems at once, thereby freeing up valuable funds that Keegan will be able to divert elsewhere.

Emre's departure was widely predicted, and Newcastle officials accepted Fenerbahce's offer on Saturday.

"Newcastle United can confirm that they have agreed terms with Fenerbahce for the transfer of midfielder Emre," said an official club statement. "The Magpies have also given Fenerbahce permission to talk to the player to discuss personal terms."

Having joined Newcastle in a £3.8m move from Inter Milan three years ago, Emre leaves Tyneside having made 80 appearances for the club.

He will be remembered primarily for the free-kick winner that earned a 3-2 derby victory over Sunderland in October 2005, as well as the last-gasp strike that secured an equally dramatic 3-2 win over Reading in December 2006. However, his time in the North-East was peppered with lengthy injury layoffs.

He has agreed a three-year contract in Istanbul, and his move will be the source of consternation in the Turkish capital.

Emre previously spent four seasons with Galatasaray, one of Fenerbahce's fiercest rivals.

■ Obafemi Martins could miss the start of Newcastle's pre-season after he had to withdraw from Nigeria's weekend World Cup qualifier with South Africa because of an ankle problem.

Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu said: "Obafemi said he had a scan on his ankle and the doctors said he'd be out for eight weeks."