Could former Newcastle striker be in line for sensational St. James' return?

Recent rumors have connected a former Newcastle United player with a sensational return to St. James' Park as Newcastle's new regime and high-dollar recruits have failed to make an appreciable impact on this year's Premier League.  Offered as an exclusive from caughtoffside.com, it is being suggested that Obafemi Martins is wanted by both Newcastle and Sunderland on a short-term loan during the MLS off-season.

Martins scored 28 goals in 88 matches between 2006-2009 before leaving when Newcastle were relegated at the end of the 2008-09 season.  He has found the net 40 times in 72 matches since joining MLS's Seattle Sounders.  During his time at Newcastle, the Nigerian played under current Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce, complicating the rumored situation a little bit.

Newcastle have been struggling on the offensive end of the pitch with Aleksandar Mitrovic failing to make a consistent impact on the offensive end while Papiss Cisse, Yoan Gouffran, Emmanuel Riviere and the rest of the Funny Company have not fared much better whether hampered by poor form, injury or whatever else could factor in.  A short term loan could fit the bill for Steve McClaren if he can manage to address the issues in service, although if that were to occur, it may not be so necessary to bring in an experienced player such as Martins.

It's fun to think about and somewhat romantic in the once and former goal-scorer story line.  If he could score at anywhere close to the rate that he has been in MLS, it would be a very fruitful move.  MLS is a different level to the Premier League, so there is no guarantee that the move would be a successful one, but as we're sitting here and looking over our shoulder at the relegation zone any potential help is intriguing especially if it comes in the form of a game-winning talent.

There could be something to this or it could be nothing, but it's certainly one to keep an eye on.