Newcastle United have told Obafemi Martins they're ready to hand him an improved contract.

The Independent says Newcastle have told Martins they will renegotiate his contract, even though it still has four years to run, and offer him a pay rise if he agrees to let his £13 million buyout clause be removed.

However, the Nigeria international, who already receives £60,000 a week, has told them he wants time to think about his future. Martins has made it known that he favours a return to Italy - with one Serie A club, thought to be Juventus, having already expressed an interest - should he decide to leave St James' Park.