Former Newcastle striker Michael Owen in shock link to Manchester United
July 03, 2009
Manchester United are set to sign out-of-favour England striker Michael Owen on a surprise free transfer deal, according to reports in the British press on Friday.
Times Online reported the move could be tied up later on Friday (est) if Owen passes a medical.
Owen's contract with Newcastle, relegated from the English top-flight last season, lapsed on July 1.
It seemed the only clubs interested in signing the 29-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker were Stoke and Hull - both Premier League sides but teams for whom staying up was an achievement.
But they now appear to have been joined by United, who have seen forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez both leave Old Trafford since the end of last season.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly planning to sign Owen, whose time at Newcastle was blighted by a succession of injury problems, on a pay-as-you-play deal.
Owen's weekly wage at Newcastle, for whom he scored 10 goals last season, was believed to be around £120,000 ($A247,626) but reports said he would take a substantial pay cut to sign for a leading current English Premier League champions.
The forward, who has scored 40 goals in 89 England appearances, has yet to persuade England coach Fabio Capello he has a future at international level.
But Owen's career could be rejuvenated by playing alongside the likes of England striker Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford.
United have yet to make a public comment about the proposed deal.
To read more on this story, our friends at Times Online have reported that Owen will sign with the Red Devils on Friday (est).
Agence France-Presse
not a bad a idea if it is infact pay as u play, could prove handy and not spending alot on him
u went to the dark side Benjamin, not the light. why must u hurt me so?
