FRENCH full-back Jonathan Zebina has become the latest player to catch Graeme Souness' eye as the Newcastle boss casts his net ever wider in the search for a new defensive recruit.

The Magpies manager, who had previously spoken of his desire to sign an English-based stopper this month, is having to look elsewhere because of a lack of funds following the summer purchase of the likes of Michael Owen, Albert Luque and Nolberto Solano.

Last weekend's ankle injury to Titus Bramble underlined the paucity of defensive options currently open to Souness, with Peter Ramage and Robbie Elliott both slotting in as makeshift centre-halves at Craven Cottage.

The crisis was exacerbated by the latest setback to the injury-plagued Stephen Carr and, if the former Tottenham full-back's latest problem is found to be related to his recent hernia injury, he is likely to be sidelined for the best part of a month.

With his defensive problems mounting, Souness has temporarily shelved his attempts to strengthen his strikeforce to devote all of his resources to the search for a stopper.

With time beginning to run out ahead of the January 31 transfer deadline, sources in Italy have confirmed those resources are being directed at an attempt to prise Zebina from his current employers, Juventus.

The Frenchman, who has fallen out of favour in Turin, had been attracting the interest of both Liverpool and AC Milan but, with last season's Champions League finalists having dropped out of the race, Newcastle have assumed pole position for his signature.

Zebina's chequered injury record remains a concern, but the Magpies are understood to be seeking an initial loan deal that would enable them to wash their hands of the Frenchman should his previous problems return.

On the plus side, Zebina is equally at home at either right back or centre-half, making him an ideal acquisition given Newcastle's current lack of cover in both positions.

The 27-year-old, who has won league titles with both Roma and Juventus, is desperate to secure regular first-team football in the second half of the season to force his way into Raymond Domenech's French squad for this summer's World Cup finals.

Meanwhile, Turkish midfielder Emre is hoping to make his eagerly-awaited return from injury in this weekend's home game with Blackburn.

The 25-year-old, who has suffered two separate hamstring injuries during his brief time on Tyneside, is back in training and a final decision on his participation in Saturday's game is not expected until tomorrow.

"I have been tired in training, but that isn't surprising because I have been injured for six or seven weeks now," said Emre. "We haven't had a game this season where we have had every player fit and it has been a big problem for us.

"At times in football you get situations like this. It is hard for the players and of course the supporters, but all we can do is be patient."

l Newcastle's home game with Charlton has been rearranged for Wednesday, February 22 (7.45pm). The original game was postponed last month just 25 minutes before it was due to kick off.

l Nicolas Anelka insists he is happy with Fenerbahce and not seeking a return to the Barclays Premiership.

The French striker has also ruled out moving to Everton on the grounds he is a former Liverpool player.

The 26-year-old declared he is committed to the Turkish club until summer 2008, when the contract he signed upon joining from Manchester City 12 months ago expires.

''I'm very happy at Fenerbahe and in Turkey and I plan to stay until the end of my contract,'' he said.

''A club that wants me would have to speak to Fenerbahce because my contract is there. The club hasn't told me of any offer.''

Anelka has been the subject of speculation linking him with a January move to Everton and Newcastle, with the Magpies widely rumoured to be preparing a bid.

Anelka has said Everton would be wasting their time with any approach .