Newcastle closing in on new signings

Glenn Roeder's exhaustive search for reinforcements is finally set to pay off with the Newcastle boss confident of landing "two or three" of his transfer targets by the start of next week.

Top of his list is Real Madrid midfielder Thomas Gravesen who is believed to have already discussed personal terms with Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.

And Roeder is also anxious to press home his interest in Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins after a sluggish UEFA Cup win in Latvia underlined his need for a new frontman.

But despite early scares against Ventspils, Roeder has expressed much more confidence about his defence, insisting much-maligned match-winner Titus Bramble can be carefully nurtured into his next big star.

Roeder said: "Titus without doubt needs to know he has got the support of his coach to give him the confidence to go out there and play well. I am always trying to make Titus conscious of the quality of his passing because sometimes it is not as good as it could be. It is sometimes a lack of concentration on his part.

"I believe he needs an experienced central defender who talks well to help him get through the game and concentrate. But overall I am happy with Titus' performances and he has not let anyone down."

Meanwhile Roeder will also turn his attention to the treatment room where goalkeeper Shay Given and midfielder Emre could face a fight to be fit for the season opener against Wigan.

Emre was substituted midway through the second half while Given battled to the final whistle despite apparently straining a back muscle just before half-time.

Given's loss would be a major disappointment for Roeder after another fine display against Ventspils, not least when he saved Bramble's blushes with a superb save in the opening moments.

Given said: "Just before half-time I felt a sharp pain in my back and I think it is a muscle strain. I took some painkillers but still had a problem kicking long balls. Hopefully it will settle down in the next few days."