The Magpies were understood to be stepping up their interest in the 28-year-old former Bolton and Chelsea striker today as chairman Freddy Shepherd's son Kenneth spoke to the Catalan club about defender Edmilson.

Shepherd Junior was also expected to sound out Barca president Joan Laporta about the Iceland international's situation as the Tyneside club draws up a contingency plan with Obafemi Martins' future uncertain.

However, Gudjohnsen's father and agent Arnor insists his son is happy to battle for his place at the Nou Camp following Thierry Henry's arrival from Arsenal.

He told BBC Sport: "A lot of clubs are interested in Eidur, but he is determined to prove himself at Barca.

"Eidur is away on holiday now and he has not been in contact with any clubs. He is planning to meet up with his Barcelona team-mates for pre-season later in July.

"Although he wants to stay, I don't know what Barcelona's intentions are."

Henry's arrival has increased competition for places with Gudjohnsen, Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi already in place.

But Gudjohnsen Senior is confident he still has a major role to play just a year after completing his £8million move to Spain.

He said: "He would compliment Henry because they play differently. I don't think the forward partnership of Samuel Eto'o and Henry would work as well.

"Eidur can drop deep and play off Henry, which I think would work much better."

Whether his view coincides with that of Barca coach Frank Rijkaard remains to be seen, although Newcastle will hope to clarify the club's position today.

They are currently well served in the attacking department, although doubts over the futures of Martins and Michael Owen - manager Sam Allardyce is confident the England international position has been resolved - means they have to be on the front foot.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Nigeria international, who has a £13million get-out clause in his contract, as a replacement for Henry, and that would leave the Magpies needing to find a replacement for last season's 17-goal top scorer.

With Mark Viduka now on board, Owen fit after missing all but three games of last season and Shola Ameobi also free from injury, the club has some depth up front, but a striker of Gudjohnsen's quality would be an attractive acquisition.

There is little doubt that, should he become available, he would do so at a price and with other clubs certain to join the race, but having worked briefly under Allardyce during his time at Bolton, that relationship could prove crucial.

In the meantime, the Magpies were hoping to complete their fourth summer signing today as they closed in on Chelsea utility man Geremi.

It is understood they have agreed a three-year deal with the 28-year-old Cameroon international, who is expected to finalise his switch from Stamford Bridge in the next 24 hours.

He managed 28 appearances at Stamford Bridge last season as Chelsea suffered their own injury crisis, but has been unable to force his way into Jose Mourinho's plans on a consistent basis.

Allardyce and his players are due to fly off to their Austrian boot camp tomorrow to begin their preparations for the new season.

New signings Joey Barton and David Rozehnal are expected to be among the party, while Geremi could join them if his move is finalised in time.

However, Viduka is on international duty with Australia at the Asian Cup, while England Under-21 stars Steven Taylor and James Milner have been given extra time to recover after their exertions at the European Championships last month, and winger Damien Duff is fighting his way back from a broken foot.

Allardyce will seek to impose his philosophy on his players during their week on the Continent, during which mobile phones will be switched off.

He could be assisted in that task by the presence of England coach Steve Round, whose addition to the backroom staff appears to be imminent.

However, one of the manager's priorities today was to sit down with Martins and discuss his situation amid all the speculation linking him with Arsenal.