STOKE boss Tony Pulis is ready to raid relegated Newcastle with a �5m swoop for Obafemi Martins. (Daily Star)Pulis will target the Nigeria hitman as he bids to boost his firepower ahead of Stoke's second season in the top flight.

STOKE boss Tony Pulis is ready to raid relegated Newcastle with a �5m swoop for Obafemi Martins. (Daily Star)

Pulis will target the Nigeria hitman as he bids to boost his firepower ahead of Stoke's second season in the top flight.

Potters officials have made contact with Newcastle to ask about Martins' availability and are expected to face competition from Aston Villa, Everton and Spurs.

Martins, 24, will be sold after the Toon's relegation to the Championship and �ambitious Pulis is bidding to pull off a major signing.

Also on Pulis' radar are Newcastle's Michael Owen and West Ham's Dean Ashton, 25, who missed most of last �season with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle firesale has started after defender Ross Edgar had a medical at Burnley.