However, he revealed at the weekend that even a successful move for Luque would not satisfy his need for an out-and-out goalscorer, and that search goes on.

“Our offer for Michael Owen is still on the table,” he said. “We have spoken to his advisors and they are considering our offer. I have not been involved in the negotiations, so that is as much as I can tell you.”

Souness was refusing to take anything for granted as Luque underwent medical checks, but is hopeful the deal, which he admitted on Tuesday looked to be off, will be completed today.

“He is here having a medical as we speak and obviously, we are trying to push it through to make him available for Sunday’s game. With medicals, you never know, but there has not been any indication of any problems.”

Newcastle need goals and greater creativity after failing to score in any of their first three Premiership games, and Souness hopes Luque will bring both.

“He will bring a number of goals and he will bring us a bit of width if we choose to play him on the left side,” he said. “He is naturally left-footed and he is a wonderful striker of the ball. He will give us the little bit of class we have been missing in that area.”