Newcastle United transfer news: Former striker makes surprise China move to replace Manchester United man

By Liam Kennedy

Desk Editor

Published 24th Mar 2020, 18:07 BST

Updated 24th Mar 2020, 18:07 BST

Former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins is set to make a SHOCK move back to China.

The Nigerian frontman, now 35, is on the verge of signing for Shanghai Shenhua to replace now Manchester United frontman Odion Ighalo.

Lee Jong Sung (R) of Suwon Samsung Bluewings fights for the ball with Obafemi Martins of Shanghai Shenhua during the AFC Champions League group stage football match between China's Shanghai Shenhua and South Korea's Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Shanghai on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / - / China OUT (Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images) — Lee Jong Sung (R) of Suwon Samsung Bluewings fights for the ball with Obafemi Martins of Shanghai Shenhua during the AFC Champions League group stage football match between China's Shanghai Shenhua and South Korea's Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Shanghai on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / - / China OUT (Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images) | JPIMedia

placeholder image — Lee Jong Sung (R) of Suwon Samsung Bluewings fights for the ball with Obafemi Martins of Shanghai Shenhua during the AFC Champions League group stage football match between China's Shanghai Shenhua and South Korea's Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Shanghai on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / - / China OUT (Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images) | JPIMedia

Martins played for Shanghai between 2016 and 2018, nine years after he ended a three-year spell on Tyneside.

The forward netted 28 goals in 88 games for United, and is one of only two Premier League players to score a penalty with both feet.

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