Now that Alan Shearer has retired, Newcastle are in the market for a new striker or two. But just who do we buy? Who can come in and not only play alongside Michael Owen, but also replace the great man in the number 9 shirt? Here we take a comprehensive look at the array of forwards we have either been linked with over the past 12 months or strikers who could do a job for the club.

Dirk Kuyt

Age: 25
Games: 261
Goals: 122
International games: 16
International goals: 4

Dirk Kuyt’s name has been linked with Newcastle for over a year and United have had him watched a number of times now, both under Graeme Souness and more recently under Glenn Roeder who admits to being a big fan of Kuyt’s. Indeed just this past fortnight quotes have been attributed to the Dutchman declaring an interest in moving to the Toon. Whether there is any element of truth to those comments remains to be seen, but it would appear he’s on our “list” anyway.

And with good reason. In many ways he’s the ideal Shearer replacement as he’s a more traditional centre-forward in that mould than a more mobile and creative type of forward. He’s tough, very hard working, big, powerful and isn’t afraid to put himself about just like Big Al. He also has an eye for goal and has actually netted for Feyenoord at St. James’ Park way back in the NewcastleGateshead Cup two summer’s previous, a neat lob against Rangers.

How good is he? In the Dutch league he looks unstoppable and pretty much unplayable too. While 122 goals in 261 games is the sign of a confident goalscorer there is far more to his game than just goals however. He is an exceptionally hard working player in the Bellamy style, he’ll chase down shadows all day long. He’s not quick and he’s not the most technically gifted admittedly, but he’s clever, he knows how to time and weight a ball, either via the foot or with the flick of his head. He has bags of energy too which compensates for his lack of acceleration. While defenders slow down as the game wears on, he’ll be running about like a lunatic. One of the main reasons he’s so loved by Feyenoord fans. Mind he is a Rotterdam boy so it is to be expected that he sweats his nuts off for his hometown team.

Would he work well with Owen? On paper he seems an ideal partner type and given his holdup skills and all-round leading of the line, he’ll also be a good outlet for others too, especially midfielder runners. He pretty much fits the bill and while he is unproven to a large degree, he has key assets for the Premiership and clinically, he’s a good finisher. That goal tally is no fluke or the result of playing for a side that creates him 5 or 6 chances a game because they don’t, many of his chances are fashioned from his sheer hard work and determination to finish things off. He’s more in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s league than Mateja Kezman’s. That said, you just never know with foreign players, even if they appear to have the right tools for the job.

For: Has all the qualities needed both as a goalscorer and a centre-forward, is of the right age, has no previous poor fitness record and character wise he’s made of the right stuff.

Against: He’d cost a bomb, we’d face stiff competition and he lacks Premiership experience.

Shearer rating: 7/10
Owen partner rating: 8

Valued: £10-15m

HTT verdict? Worth the money if you’re flush with it. Are we?

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Age: 29
Games: 338
Goals: 225
International games: 49
International goals: 25

There aren’t or haven’t been many better goalscorers in world football over the last decade or so and it is easy to see why Newcastle have been linked with the Manchester United hitman or why he has been touted as a possible replacement for Shearer as he pretty much has the lot in his locker. A fantastic goalscoring record at all levels, bags of experience at all levels and he can also lead the line very well too.

He’s not quite in Shearer’s league as a centre-forward, but as a goalscorer he most certainly is. Over 1 goal every 2 games speaks volumes of van Nistelrooy’s ability to find the net and while he isn’t considered quick or skillful I think we’ve all seen enough of the Dutchman to recognise he’s more than just a goalscorer.

Again, he’d fit the bill perfectly in many ways. He’s a big name, is an experienced Premiership campaigner and he has the mentality to occupy Shearer’s old shirt without a doubt. Like Big Al he’s a fierce competitor and has extreme self confidence and that ruthless streak to succeed. But he’s no spring chicken and the circumstances around his soon to be exit from Old Trafford perhaps reveals a darker side to van Nistelrooy. That when all isn’t well, he’s no real team player off the pitch. Furthermore, his career is on a downward slope not an upwards curve, otherwise he wouldn’t be on the verge of leaving the Red Devils. There is no cannier manager than Sir Alex Ferguson at spotting a player on the wane and we have been bitten once with Nicky Butt in that respect.

For: Like his fellow compatriot he has all the attributes and then sum and if we are looking for a renowned goalscorer and big name, then he would be the man.

Against: He’d cost a bomb, we’d face stiff competition and in many ways he’s very similar to Owen. Furthermore does he have the hunger and drive and would Fergie sell him to a so-called Premiership rival? Could we lure him to Tyneside and given his age, would he prove good value for money? All doubts to consider.

Shearer rating: 8/10
Owen partner rating: 6

Valued: £7-10m

HTT verdict? A luxury galactico type signing who would represent short-term value but long-term, we’d be looking to find his replacement sooner rather than later as the vital signs point to a player winding down to a career finish not to a career highlight which he has already enjoyed once or twice.

Fernando Torres

Age: 22
Games: 138
Goals: 61
International games: 26
International goals: 9

Torres has been a surprise link over the past year or so with his club Athletico Madrid announcing just after we had signed Owen that they had turned down a multi-million pound offer from United, to the surprise of many. Whether we remain in the hunt for the highly prized Spaniard or whether there was any real truth behind Madrid’s claims who really knows but he certainly has his fans from those in Black & White who would love to see the 22-year old at St. James’ Park.

He’s talented alright and while he’s not exactly your typical centre-forward as he’s not the strongest or the bravest, he does posses attributes for that role nonetheless and technically, he’s very gifted with quick feet, a neat first touch and a creative eye on the ball. However it is hard to determine whether he could adapt to the more aggressive, quicker, more contact game that is the Premiership.

In La Liga he seems to be improving all the time while at international level he has a decent record which suggests he can move up a level if required, but at a likely wedge of cash, he could prove a massive gamble and it is also unlikely United could beat what will no doubt be stiff competition across Europe for his services. On paper this kind of transfer sounds mouthwatering but in reality it is fraught with risks.

For: His signature would certainly excite the masses and he’s young and skillful enough. A promising player who could go all the way.

Against: Where do we begin? Lacks any kind of experience, he doesn’t seem the strongest and he’s not exactly prolific either at this admittedly early stage of his career. He would also cost a bomb and whether we could a) afford him and b) lure him to Tyneside, just doesn’t seem too feasible given our current situation.

Shearer rating: 5/10
Owen partner rating: 5

Valued: £15-20m

HTT verdict? A massive massive gamble. The Spanish Andy Johnson (price wise, not talent)?

Ronaldo

Age: 30
Games: 262
Goals: 205
International games: 90
International goals: 57

Not a player we have been linked with really and not a player on paper we’d have a hope in hell’s chance of signing you would imagine, but knowing our fondness for the media limelight and big names not to mention our somewhat strange relationship with Real Madrid, don’t rule out the headlines “Ronny For The Toon” on the back pages of the Ronnie this summer.

As a striker, he’s a mixed bag really, especially after his early career injuries which have robbed him of that electric burst of pace, that ability to twist and turn like a cheetah and that ability to stamp his authority on the game from the first to the final whistle. He is still a world-class finisher and he’ll always score goals but as a player, he’s playing on empty.

As a result of his injuries, he’s very limited these days and doesn’t get himself half as involved as much as he should or could, seemingly preferring to reserve his energy to remain sharp at the vital moments but even his sharpness seems on the wane. He’s looked a lost player at Real and rarely shines, even against lesser opposition and for me, he’s past his best by some considerable distance and would, if the impossible happened, only serve to placate the marketing department at SJP and not the actual team. No doubt if he was linked, many would be salivating at the mouth but he has more than a hint of Patrick Kluivert about him these days so no thanks.

For: He would sell an unbelievable amount of shirts and he would score goals in the Premiership if he wanted to quite easily.

Against: Too fat, too costly in wages, too damn well past his best and howay man, Ronaldo at the Toon?

Shearer rating: 7/10
Owen partner rating: 6

Valued: £8-12m

HTT verdict? As if!

Nicolas Anelka

Age: 27
Games: 280
Goals: 92
International games: 31
International goals: 7

Had Souness had his own way, Anelka would already be a Toon player having strongly been linked with him last summer and again in the January transfer window. Whether we will reignite our interest now that Shearer’s hung up his boots remains to be seen and in all honesty since Roeder’s comments about character and personal baggage, somehow I don’t think we will. But as a striker his merits are worth discussing.

During his brief loan spell at Anfield, many Reds considered Anelka the most effective partner for Owen out of all the myriad options used at the time by then manager Gerard Houllier. Indeed, the pair tore United to shreds in a 3-0 defeat as they linked up to great effect.

It’s easy to see why Anelka would be such a good partner for Owen because unlike the England man, he’s not a selfish striker and his own attributes, like his pace and ball carrying skills, are conducive to drawing the attention of defenders, leaving space for Owen to exploit.

He’s not a clinical finisher himself, Anelka, but he’s a very good player. Good control and movement, bags of pace, not bad in the air and he can carry the ball well. The downside is that he’s not the bravest or the most industrious of players but with him, you really ought to be playing pass and move football which he excels in.

For: He’d be ideal for Owen and his pace and ball carrying skills would add an extra dimension to our attack. Proven, within price range too and certainly attainable.

Against: Lazy, lots of baggage, inconsistent and temperamental.

Shearer rating: 7/10
Owen partner rating: 8

Valued: £6-8m

HTT verdict? Without the baggage, yes.

Eidur Gudjohnsen

Age: 27
Games: 267
Goals: 114
International games: 27
International goals: 9

We tried to buy Gudjohnsen under Sir Bobby Robson and for whatever reason we bought Carl Cort instead and now he is available once more with Chelsea open to offers. Will we try to sign him a second time? You would hope so as he’s just the type of player we need. I say player and not striker because he’s not exactly a striker in the strictest sense, much less a goalscorer - he’s a goal provider, a playmaker. Something Newcastle don’t exactly possess.

As a partner to Owen, he’d be near perfect, the ideal matchup. He’s unselfish and works to dictate play, to make things happen for others. He’s a tremendous footballer with a sharp brain and despite his lack of pace, he’s a forceful runner and can carry the ball well under his feet due to his close control and speed of thought. He’d be ideal for the Toon in every way possible.

For: The perfect partner for Owen, experienced, within our budget and lure you would imagine, depending on competition. He also scores goals, works hard and can play up top, behind the main striker or in a more deeper central midfield role.

Against: Can we attract him and could we compete with others for his signature price wise?

Shearer rating: 8/10
Owen partner rating: 10

Valued: £6-8m

HTT verdict? Snap him up Glenn!

Darren Bent

Age: 22
Games: 159
Goals: 77
International games: 1
International goals: 0

Bent was linked numerous times under Sir Bobby and linked once again quite recently, although one suspects this time the press are merely putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with the usual 5. After a storming season with Charlton which earned him an England cap, the former Ipswich man has grown an army of fans up and down the country with many asking; why didn’t we sign him?

The question has certainly been asked amongst the Black & White tribe who saw for £3m a return of over 20 goals. Not bad considering it was Bent’s first season in the Premiership and playing in a poor side as the lone striker couldn’t have made it any more easier either.

However, to buy him today you’d be looking at double or more the fee he cost the Addicks and while his record is impressive, how many one-season wonders have there been in recent years? Too many! He does have solid attributes for this league which give him a chance, such as that pace of his, his willingness to run and work hard for the team, and his confidence.

Technically however he’s average and his movement isn’t the greatest. He covers the grass and tries, but he doesn’t sniff out space which suggests he’s more of a taker of chances rather than a self creator or a player who can make things happen. Anyone can pull the trigger if the gun is already loaded and cocked and for me, that is what Bent does. He chases down balls, relies on mistakes or slips to get in, or he’ll find himself through on goal from a poorly constructed off-side trap or through a ball over the top.

I don’t think he leads the line well at all either or whether he can adapt to specific roles as a partner or alongside another striker. Being the lone man probably suits his game down to the ground as he can push and work defenders without getting too involved in play.

I know I’m being very critical here as he’s still only young but he lacks certain instincts that I don’t think can be taught or learned and for me, he’ll always be an average to decent bog standard Premiership striker who against the West Brom’s, the Villa’s and the other less able sides, will score his fair share if the team he plays for is set-up the right way. Up a notch or two however and he becomes a passenger, a useless eater who runs about, chases hard, presses and blows off steam.

For: Bags of pace, hard worker, good lone man, young and forever learning.

Against: Pace aside, average in most departments, would be expensive and is still unproven at this level.

Shearer rating: 5/10
Owen partner rating: 5

Valued: £6-10m

HTT verdict? This time last summer at the fee he cost Charlton, as a squad player, maybe. Today, given his likely cost and our need for better quality, no!

Djibril Cisse

Age: 22
Games: 155
Goals: 94
International games: 19
International goals: 4

Another striker just recently linked with United. The Liverpool man has an impressive record both back home in France and for the Reds, however the stats don’t reveal the true story. At Liverpool most of his goals have come from the bench, from out wide positions or late in the game which to me suggests he’s a better bet as a gamble than a sure fire ticket to glory and this is probably why he’ll be moved on by Rafa Benitez because he can’t be relied on in key games from the start.

While he can finish and he is as quick as they come, his control and positioning is quite average for a £14m international striker and he’s also lazy, and by that I don’t mean he doesn’t put himself about, he can work hard for the team. No he’s more lazy when it comes to thinking about and analysing situations. He is constantly being caught off-side and he more often than not opts for the wrong pass, the wrong area of space to run into or the wrong time to shoot.

I actually think he’s an asset simply because of his pace and unpredictability. He’s a livewire and will always cause side’s problems, whether up against top opposition or poor defences. But if you are looking to control a game, take the game to the opposition, or out box them so to speak, then starting with Cisse would be a gamble that could backfire as for large periods he can look clumsy, uninterested and be kept in check - and then bang! He’ll race onto a ball, win a corner, score or win a penalty. But by that time you could be 3 goals behind.

Ideal for a team who play on the counter attack or to bring on from the bench, but for Newcastle, alongside a predator who needs feeding, a side that needs to play the ball as much as they can to keep the other side away from that fragile defence? I’m not so sure. No, he’s no different to Lua Lua and what he once gave us or rather what he tried to, but only more expensive, more temperamental and far less comfortable on the ball. He’ll make a great signing for someone like Aston Villa or a West Ham, but we need more substance and end product rather than sheer pace and impulsive finishing.

For: Quick as lightning, explosive finishing, young, has proven himself to be capable of performing in the Premiership and I’d say very much attainable at the right price.

Against: Would be expensive, not a great team player, too inconsistent and not the most ideal partner for Owen or anyone for that matter.

Shearer rating: 6/10
Owen partner rating: 5

Valued: £8-10m

HTT verdict? No thanks!

Jermain Defoe

Age: 23
Games: 174
Goals: 98
International games: 16
International goals: 1

Roeder has already went on record saying he rates him and how he also thinks he’d be able to handle himself at Newcastle having worked with him at West Ham. Indeed I’m sure he’s on that “list” of players being watched which will sit well with his fans at United who wanted us to sign him while he was at the Hammers. Now however, we already have the small, nimble and pacey forward in Owen and two of them could give our front-line an uneven look about it.

As an individual Defoe is a fantastic little player, very sharp, explosive, quick feet, strong for his size and an instinctive finisher - he’ll score goals for whatever club he’s plying his trade for. But, and there is always one, or in Defoe’s case for me, quite a few, I think he’s massively overrated and one of those players who will either fit in with a specific system well, or not at all and alongside Owen I just couldn’t see that being a very productive partnership of mutual benefit.

Defoe’s major weaknesses are a selfish attitude and a lack of awareness. While all strikers need to be selfish, Defoe takes it to the extreme at times, having pops at goal from 35-yards or attempting to score the wonder-solo goal ala Maradona in 86 for example. His lack of awareness in space around him, the recognition of team-mates in better positions and that ability to sniff out space via movement, is what marks him down as a faulty striker however. Key attributes needed to play at the highest level on the European and international stage.

Again, Owen needs someone to feed off, to play off and to work with, Defoe would for me, be the antithesis of that. He’s instinctive, his own player, he has supreme confidence in himself and tunnel vision when it comes to shooting. Match of The Day highlighted all that is wrong with his game on the last day of the season when they compared him to Robbie Keane, not a natural goalscorer, but one who has adapted his game to sniff out chances and space. Something Defoe just hasn’t learned, perhaps because he doesn’t feel he needs to or maybe that’s just not and never will be his game. If so he can forget about an international career or forming truly memorable partnerships with other “different” players.

For: Very quick, excellent finisher, young, proven at Premiership level and attainable at the right price I’d imagine.

Against: Would cost a fair few quid, we’d face stiff competition, inconsistent, not an ideal partner for Owen.

Shearer rating: 6.5/10
Owen partner rating: 5

Valued: £8-12m

HTT verdict? Given his likely price and numerous weaknesses/faults, there are better and we can do better.

Robbie Keane

Age: 25
Games: 277
Goals: 122
International games: 65
International goals: 26

Linked heavily this time last season and again in the January transfer window, but somehow I don’t think he’ll be linked this time around or if he is, we’d have much of a chance of signing him. 12 months ago his Spurs future was uncertain but since then he has become a key player for them, putting in some stunning performances, scoring and creating goals and becoming a much more consistent all-rounder.

The very thought of Robbie Keane this time last season had me reaching for the “no thanks” option, with his game pretty similar to Defoe’s as highlighted above, but less of a goalscorer. Now however, well he’s a different player and I hold my hands up and admit I was wrong about him. He’s developed most of his game and I’d love to see him at the Toon.

He’s deceptively quick, creative, strong, good in the air and now a real finisher. I think he’d be a good link-up man for Owen and the midfield. He still has his weaknesses of course, tactically he’s not the sharpest and he can be quite wasteful in possession, especially when drifting wide - he still likes to take his man on when a simple ball inside or across would be the better option but he’s improved a lot and would be a similar type acquisition to Gudjohnsen, only younger and more of a goal threat.

For: Experienced, right age, good all-round game, a goal threat.

Against: I doubt we could prize him away and if we could, he’d cost a few quid.

Shearer rating: 7.5/10
Owen partner rating: 8

Valued: £8-10m

HTT verdict? I’d test Spurs with a bid.

Dean Ashton

Age: 22
Games: 205
Goals: 98
International games: 0
International goals: 0

You could say we missed the boat twice with Ashton as we were linked heavily when he signed for Norwich back in January 2005 and again when he signed for West Ham a year later. Inevitably, now that he’d cost 4 times the price Norwich initially paid for him, we have been linked with a move for him once again. It would be typical of our club to sign a player we could have had for a fraction of the cost. The player Ashton has been likened to and the one we are needing to replace for example!

At both times, or at both fees, £3m and the £7.5m that the Hammers paid for him, Ashton would have proved good value for money as he has done for Alan Pardew. He’s a very good player and in the Shearer mould. He’d be a hit on Tyneside and would be capable of playing alongside Owen as he can play in the ‘hole’ like Teddy Sheringham. Indeed, many consider that to be his best position as he’s quite an intelligent player with a good weight of pass on him.

However he’s very much a centre-forward, strong, good in the air, good at linking up play and leading the line and he’s also brave. Finishing wise he’s not bad either, with a lethal left-foot on him. I’ve wanted United to sign him way back in his Teenage Crewe days as I always thought he had what it takes and he’s showing it today.

For: Young, ideal Shearer replacement, would link up well with Owen, good attitude, can score goals.

Against: Would cost a fortune, Hammers would be reluctant to sell, dubious fitness record, lacks genuine pace.

Shearer rating: 7/10
Owen partner rating: 8

Valued: £10-12m

HTT verdict? Should have signed him when he was valued at £3m or better still when Sir Bobby had him watched a few times.

Mark Viduka

Age: 30
Games: 338
Goals: 170
International games: 26
International goals: 3

Another player who always seems to be linked with a move to Newcastle. On his day he’s a fine centre-forward, great technical ability, very intelligent, strong and quite clinical. However those days are few and far between nowadays and you get the sense with Viduka he not only has to be in the mood but the conditions have to be perfect for him to perform to his best. At his best he’s a handful and a massive goal threat as his impressive record suggests.

At his worst he’s lazy, uncommitted, sloppy and basically a passenger. His fitness record is also a concern as is his perceived poor attitude. Yet despite this, not many have bad words to say about him and overall, he has quite a good appearances ratio for most of his clubs and I can’t remember him ever making any front page headlines unlike some of his former Leeds’ team-mates! I think with Viduka he’s one of those characters people either take to or they don’t and I don’t think he actually cares one way or another how others see him which most probably rubs people up the wrong way, explaining perhaps why he has this reputation for being temperamental.

For: Experienced, wouldn’t break the bank, can score goals and would link up well with Owen.

Against: How motivated is he? How fit is he? Is he past his best? Would command big wages and isn’t getting any younger.

Shearer rating: 6.5/10
Owen partner rating: 7

Valued: £2-4m

HTT verdict? Good squad player at the right price and ideal for European games. Worth a pop.

Collins John

Age: 20
Games: 42
Goals: 22
International games: 0
International goals: 0

The Fulham striker is a relatively unknown gem who has a goal every other game which for a player yet to hit 21 is terrific going, especially when you take into consideration that John is a young foreigner who doesn’t feature regularly for Fulham, a poor Fulham side I might add. The Dutch hitman has it all - pace, power, eye for goal, strength and good technical ability.

We haven’t been linked with him and I’m sure Fulham won’t be looking to sell but he has bags of potential and is a striker capable of coming into the first-team and making an impact straight away. He has a big future ahead of him and I can’t see Fulham hanging on to him for too long.

For: One of the most exciting young striking prospects in European football, is already adapted to the Premiership and has already proven he can score goals. He’s an all-rounder with bags of pace, good heading and hold-up skills and an eye for goal.

Against: Fulham aren’t looking to sell and he would cost a few quid.

Shearer rating: 6.5/10
Owen partner rating: 7

Valued: £5-7m

HTT verdict? Worth every penny and could lead our line for the next 10 years - put in a bid Glenn!

Obafemi Martins

Age: 21 (apparently)
Games: 64
Goals: 38
International games: 24
International goals: 8

The Inter Milan forward was recently linked, although one suspects the rumour was the produce of creative journalism. He has all the attributes though, Martins being an explosive brute of a player with bags of pace, trickery and powerful finishing. I remember when he tore Arsenal to shreds in the Champions League a few years back - he destroyed them single handily.

With a 1 in 2 goal ratio in Italian football and an equally impressive ratio on the intentional stage for his country Nigeria the lad can obviously finish but whenever I’ve seen him in action he looks to have a poor first touch and his general all-round play isn’t the greatest. Seems to me to be a mood player.

For: Would be a smash hit in the Premiership and has the main attributes.

Against: Would cost a fortune, we would face stiff competition and there is no way on earth he’s 21!

Shearer rating: 7/10
Owen partner rating: 6

Valued: £10-15m

HTT verdict? No chance!

Conclusion

The message resonating throughout this feature for me is that finding an effective partner for Michael Owen (assuming he stays) is far more important to our cause than just finding any old goalscorer or a “replacement” for Big Al per se. The options available to Glenn Roeder (assuming money is somehow made available which we have to remember, could be limited) also seem plentiful. Indeed, has there ever been a better time to buy a striker than now? All of the above in one way or another could be available at the right price or could be switching clubs. If you’re in the market for a striker, which we are, then it’s definitely a buyers one and not a seller’s market.

My own personal choice would be Gudjohnsen and Viduka who are both experienced and would make perfect foils for Owen. They won’t need time to adapt either and would both give us different options too which given what will be a breakthrough season for the club under Roeder, could prove vital. My only concern would be should Owen be unavailable for selection for whatever reason, we’d lack pace up front. But we could always play Charles N’Zogbia off a Viduka or a Gudjohnsen for example, who can also play the centre-forward role as he has done in the past for Chelsea.

I do hope the club don’t go down the big name route or the expensive foreigner for the sheer sake of buying a name or a Shearer replacement as I feel those type of players aren’t needed, not at current anyway. We need players who can have an immediate impact, who have the experience and legs to carry us, who will provide us with an alternative outlet to Owen while also being capable of dovetailing with the England man’s own game. These are the requirements in my opinion.

Obviously it isn’t going to be easy and we don’t know what funds will be available to Roeder or whether he wants one or two strikers. What we do know is that we DO NEED to fill the void left by Shearer and I hope this guide has opened a few eyes and creates a discussion or two. Write in with your own thoughts, you know the process by now.