[Tsunami]

Fat Fred is supposedly furious that someone "close" to Owen has stated that he may be ready to activate a get out clause in his contract if a bid of 9 Million is made. The suggestion being that Owen may be trying to engineer a move. I cannot imagine that the club leaked this information.

Would you want him?

If it is true Toon fans will be livid; we paid 17 Million when no-one wanted him & he has only played 13 games in 2 season for us whilst getting paid 110k per week.

I accept few players have any loyalty to the club anymore but if this is correct & Owen does leave he will have taken things to a whole new level

[po_man]

I'm sure that when Owen signed his contract that there was a lot of speculation that there was a buy-out clause in his contract but that Newcastle Utd positively rubbished these rumours and that there was no such thing?
If it turns out that this isn't the case, surely it would be the Newcastle board that would be to blame?

I do agree though, i'd be livid if Owen suddenly decides to seek pastures new, parrticularly the amount invested in him. What you need is for Own to come out and pledge his future .... asap!!

[Tsunami]

Originally Posted by po_man

I'm sure that when Owen signed his contract that there was a lot of speculation that there was a buy-out clause in his contract but that Newcastle Utd positively rubbished these rumours and that there was no such thing?
If it turns out that this isn't the case, surely it would be the Newcastle board that would be to blame?

I do agree though, i'd be livid if Owen suddenly decides to seek pastures new, parrticularly the amount invested in him. What you need is for Own to come out and pledge his future .... asap!!

FF has asked him to do just that. The club denied any get out clause at the time of signing but they have been strangely quiet about it since the story broke..........

The only possible positive I could take from Owen leaving would be to weaken FF's position. Another fine mess. That would mean that FF gave Souness 9 Million to waste on Luque (remember him?) & 17 Million on Owen. Can there be a worse run club given the finances & fan base?

[Nebby]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Owen back at Liverpool next season, or possibly Man United.

[DJT75]

Originally Posted by po_man

I'm sure that when Owen signed his contract that there was a lot of speculation that there was a buy-out clause in his contract but that Newcastle Utd positively rubbished these rumours and that there was no such thing?

Owen didn't want to go to Newcastle in the first place, he thought Liverpool would take him back but no chance when we only sold him for £8million - so it wouldn't surprise me if FF allowed this clause at all - just to get him.

I'd have him back at Anfield any day - he looked more dangerous *in front of goal* in his first match back last week than Bellamy has all season..

[Tsunami]

Originally Posted by DJT75

Owen didn't want to go to Newcastle in the first place, he thought Liverpool would take him back but no chance when we only sold him for £8million - so it wouldn't surprise me if FF allowed this clause at all - just to get him.

I'd have him back at Anfield any day - he looked more dangerous *in front of goal* in his first match back last week than Bellamy has all season..

I hope you're not suggesting a swap with Bellamy

[deadred]

Newcastle have only themselves to blame over the Owen transfer, they paid waaaaaaaaay over the odds to sign him because they knew Liverpool were interested but they wouldn't pay over £8-£9m, so Newcastle paid £17m to secure the player and snuff out any interest from other clubs (United included)

Owen owes them nothing at all if there is a clause in the contract and from the soundbites coming from FF's mouth that seems the case, he is desperate for Owen to come out with "Newcastle are the club for me, i'll see out my contract, blah blah blah" which is absolute garbage, everybody knows he would've preferred to rejoin Liverpool than go to Newcastle, and certainly without a manager he isn't going to be making any promises that he will be there next season.

It'll be interesting to see who Newcastle go for as manager, as i think that will play a major role if Owen decides to stay or not.

Although i also think the writing is on the wall and he will end up at United in the summer

[DJT75]

Originally Posted by Tsunami

I hope you're not suggesting a swap with Bellamy

Now that's something that definitely want happen! Mind you, with Shearer & Souness gone, anything is possible. He was superb for you guys.

[961]

Before he ever came to Newcastle I thought he was injury prone. Now, more so than ever. How long before the other knee goes? How scared is he now of the crunch tackle?

One thing is certain, he's another year older, and another year slower

As a Ncle supporter for over 50 years I have to say that if someone offered £10m I would grab their hand off

Lets get a strong manager and drum up some cash for him to use during the transfer window. We certainly need to start to build a new young team and many of those around now are toppy in years and vastly overpaid

[eFGee]

Only Liverpool would want him. After all, they took Fowler back.

The other three are light years away from needing a striker who's way past his best.

[RMCF]

I don't think any of the 'big 4' would buy him.

He just isn't worth the risk any more. Far too injury prone and his wages are astronomical for a guy that is likely to break down with another injury any time soon.

Plus, as the post above states, he was past his best anyway. All these injuries take their toll on your body. He is no longer the guy that waltzed round the Argie defence at the WC.

It was a crazy deal with Newcastle in the first place. No other team would have given him that sort of money anyway.

[Nebby]

Originally Posted by RMCF

I don't think any of the 'big 4' would buy him.

He just isn't worth the risk any more. Far too injury prone and his wages are astronomical for a guy that is likely to break down with another injury any time soon.

Plus, as the post above states, he was past his best anyway. All these injuries take their toll on your body. He is no longer the guy that waltzed round the Argie defence at the WC.

It was a crazy deal with Newcastle in the first place. No other team would have given him that sort of money anyway.

Where's the risk?

A medical would highlight any long term injury problems, plus he's still only 28. He's always struck me as a consumate professional, so I could see a host of clubs lining up to buy him; especially if the release clause isn't too high.

[RMCF]

Originally Posted by Nebby

Where's the risk?

A medical would highlight any long term injury problems, plus he's still only 28. He's always struck me as a consumate professional, so I could see a host of clubs lining up to buy him; especially if the release clause isn't too high.

We will see where he is at the start of next season then.

It won't be one of the 'big 4' unless Newcastle let him go for a small transfer fee.

[DJT75]

Originally Posted by Nebby

Where's the risk?

A medical would highlight any long term injury problems, plus he's still only 28. He's always struck me as a consumate professional, so I could see a host of clubs lining up to buy him; especially if the release clause isn't too high.

Exactly.

& all this past his best rubbish? Where has his career ever dipped when fit? It hasn't. Sensational at Liverpool, sensational in an England Shirt, brilliant at Real when selected, brilliant at Newcastle when fit. How much do England miss him? More than any player I can remember.

I know RMCF will disagree with me about life at Real but when it was only politics that kept him on the bench & his scoring record versus starts was that good - it's irrelevant.

Liverpool 216 games (118 goals)
Real Madrid 35 games (13 goals) most as sub when the out of form Raul had to play
Newcastle United 13 games (7 goals)

England U21 1 game (1 goal)
England Senior 80 games (36 goals)

I'd have him back in a flash & I'm pretty sure had he been fit this season, that Newcastle record would read well enough for all of the 4 top teams to be very interested this summer.

[RMCF]

No I won't disagree with you about his time at Madrid.

Yes he did well, and indeed could have done better had it not been for the internal politics at the club. When he came off the bench he never let the club down.

But I just don't think he has that 'something' that he had a few years back. He got noticeably slower and seems to be more injury prone now. I just get the feeling that he is the sort of player who will be 'out' more than 'in' due to injuries. Perhaps he will prove me wrong.

The original question was about the top 4 wanting him. Personally I just can't see it. Thinking about the managers in charge and how they now have the means to outbid nearly any other team in Europe, I would see them going for other players.

Chelsea - don't think Jose would take him. Not his type of forward. Drogba is perfect there, and if he adds a player it will probably be Eto'o or David Villa.
Man Utd - they are probably looking for a younger forward. Remember that 28 is now getting old in todays game. I think they would be more inclined to go for Fernando Torres than Owen.
Arsenal - Wenger has a history of going for youth as well. They have Adebayor (sp?) and will have a fit Van Persie back next season (as well as Henry if he isn't sold).
Liverpool - probably Owen's best chance of a move. Liverpool are rubbish up front and they could do with Owen, but I think that Liverpool will be more inclined to chase Eto'o or David Villa (whichever one Chelsea don't buy!!).

Don't get me wrong - I was always a fan of Owen, but I just don't see the Top 4 being interested in him.

[Tsunami]

You simply can not say he is passed his best; there is no evidence to support this. He may be a bit slower but his is also older & wiser (& he says stronger).

Of his Toon appearances he was sub for one, broke his toe in another, had a debut for the club in another & two more games where his appearance was a come back game from long absences.

His salary & injury record (hamstrings) may be stumbling blocks but I can not why anyone would turn him down on performance.

I'm glad opinion is divided as we want to keep him even though the whole story is deeply disappointing from the fans view of both the player & FF for allowing such a clause in the first place.

[961]

Originally Posted by Tsunami

Of his Toon appearances he was sub for one, broke his toe in another, had a debut for the club in another & two more games where his appearance was a come back game from long absences.

His salary & injury record (hamstrings) may be stumbling blocks but I can not why anyone would turn him down on performance.

As I say, injury prone

As you say, stumbling blocks

As for his performance since come back, he was on the park and I recall one shot in the two matches. Mediocre. Perhaps to be expected after such a long layoff, but that's not what we are paying this super salary for

The fact that FS has come out with this quote about loyalty leads me to think there's trouble at t'mill. He's on his way if he can find someone to buy him (and fund his mega salary!)

[Steven]

I'm sure with games he will once again cement his place as England's premier striker. Obviously he won't reach the dizzy heights of 2001 and those heady days that brought him a European Footballer of the year award, but nevertheless I still believe he is a top class play

Saying that... I'm not sure any of the top 4 would want him

Chelski: Not sure Maureen fancies him tbh... but then it may not be upto him!
Man Utd: Need cover for Ole and Smith as well as injury prone Saha. Depends whether Owen has any qualms about going to the other red side (and I don't imagine he does!)... but these Torres rumours are persistent...
Arsenal: I'm positive Van "in my top 3 Prem strikers' Persie and Henry will get a lot more games next season. I think Arsenal will be looking for a goal scoring midfielder than a striker - Rosicky + Hleb hasn't scored enough and Gilberto is only in the charts as he takes pen's
Liverpool: Has Rafa moved on? He likes a team player - why Crouch was given chance after chance during his barren run last season upto xmas. I imagine he's be more clinical than Bellamy... but maybe Rafa wants pace, teamwork and ability? Villa, yes please!

And you know what I said when Newcastle signed him? They overpaid and any notion he'll be in the NE long term despite a 5 year contract is fantasy.

[Tsunami]

Originally Posted by 961

As I say, injury prone

As you say, stumbling blocks

The fact that FS has come out with this quote about loyalty leads me to think there's trouble at t'mill. He's on his way if he can find someone to buy him (and fund his mega salary!)

Playing for the Toon makes you appear injury prone. Go elsewhere & you'll be ok. His injuries have been more bad luck than bad body (foot stood on, knee twisted in a rut). I'll not go on about the Toon & injuries - that is another story.

Owen has just said on local radio that he will be staying loyal - so he'll be off then..........

Going back to the my original question; surely Liverpool would love to have him back? I can not see Arsenal or Chelski for that matter being too interested but I would think Alex might like to have him - they need an out and out goal scorer.

[961]

Originally Posted by Tsunami

Owen has just said on local radio that he will be staying loyal - so he'll be off then..........

Going back to the my original question; surely Liverpool would love to have him back? I can not see Arsenal or Chelski for that matter being too interested but I would think Alex might like to have him - they need an out and out goal scorer.

Owen has just said he will be staying loyal.....

It was the helicopter back home ASAP each week that created the doubt in my mind. As was said earlier, the Newcastle offer was his only way out of Spain. In my mind it doesn't matter what is in the contract, if he ain't happy there's no point in trying to keep him

As for who will buy him, surely it all depends on the price

For Newcastle United this has been an unhappy saga, just typical of the Club's luck in the past 10 years. You can't say FS has not supported the managers with cash, regardless of who's cash it was

For now, we need a new manager, at the start of the transfer window, as opposed to after it has closed as has happened in the past couple of cases. And then we need some young keen players to build a team for the future

If FS can get £10m for Mr Owen he should grab it. The guy's heart ain't beside the Strawberry

[DJT75]

Right now, I'd say the only side not remotely interested in him is Chelsea.

Not so much need after winning the title but Man Utd could do with an out & out goalscorer, he's far better than anything else they've currently got upfront (Rooney is not an out & out goalscorer)

Wenger is constantly on the look out for a striker of his calibre, Arsenal have been linked with pretty much every striker going, including Owen previously. If Henry & Van Prestrings injuries are anything to go by, they're as past it as Owen is. Owen is 27, Henry isn't. Van P is a wonderful player but I haven't seen him play 10 stright games yet.

Liverpool - obvious reasons, we never replaced him. Baros was arse, Cissé was worse, Bellamy has disappointed but could come good had he not put a golf club in the works (which will be the reason he leaves in the summer). Kuyt as been transformed from a goalscorer into a workhorse since joining & Crouch is just a very useful rotating striker.

[overkill]

Originally Posted by DJT75

Right now, I'd say the only side not remotely interested in him is Chelsea.

Not so much need after winning the title but Man Utd could do with an out & out goalscorer, he's far better than anything else they've currently got upfront (Rooney is not an out & out goalscorer)

Wenger is constantly on the look out for a striker of his calibre, Arsenal have been linked with pretty much every striker going, including Owen previously. If Henry & Van Prestrings injuries are anything to go by, they're as past it as Owen is. Owen is 27, Henry isn't. Van P is a wonderful player but I haven't seen him play 10 stright games yet.

Liverpool - obvious reasons, we never replaced him. Baros was arse, Cissé was worse, Bellamy has disappointed but could come good had he not put a golf club in the works (which will be the reason he leaves in the summer). Kuyt as been transformed from a goalscorer into a workhorse since joining & Crouch is just a very useful rotating striker.

I agree with RMCF. Owens taken one hit too many. The guys too big a risk. He didn't look all that even in his last days at Liverpool, and that period of his career was already proving to be in and out. At 28, with three extended injuries behind him, he is looking like a player who might find another serious injury, his last. He wouldn't be the first that's happened to, or the last.

I can't see Utd going for him at the moment, as Fergies too canny to risk big money on a recently recovered player who's been out for a whole season. Chelsea? No way. Arsenal, I hope not, as I've always worried about his fitness. I think Liverpool are the one, but then what happens to Crouch? We keep being told how 'fabulous' he is, but is he going to get in ahead of Owen and Kuyt? Will Bellamy stay with three rivals for his spot? Hardly. One of the two would have to go.

[DJT75]

Originally Posted by overkill

I can't see Utd going for him at the moment, as Fergies too canny to risk big money on a recently recovered player who's been out for a whole season.

Van Nistelrooy, Saha......Fergie's bought plenty of crocks before

I don't think any of them will actually sign him, I don't think he'll leave Newcastle in the summer either but under the right circumstances (ie: not straight after a season injured) Man U, Liverpool & Arsenal wouldn't rule him out at all. "Would the "Top Four" want Owen? Playing & fit, Yes. Today, probably not. Would any of the top 4 want Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Ledley King in the last 8 months? No, this summer - Yes.

[overkill]

Originally Posted by DJT75

Van Nistelrooy, Saha......Fergie's bought plenty of crocks before

I don't think any of them will actually sign him, I don't think he'll leave Newcastle in the summer either but under the right circumstances (ie: not straight after a season injured) Man U, Liverpool & Arsenal wouldn't rule him out at all. "Would the "Top Four" want Owen? Playing & fit, Yes. Today, probably not. Would any of the top 4 want Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Ledley King in the last 8 months? No, this summer - Yes.

...............but neither had been out for length of time Owen has.

I think under the right circumstances you're right. But at what price? This is going to be the issue. Do they take a risk now when Newcastle can hardly charge a fortune for him, or wait until he's match fit and whacking them in again? At that point even FF's not daft enough to let him go for less than he paid for him. Oh hang on, this FF we are talking here! He's daft enough to do anything!

[DJT75]

I thought the horse had a year out, then recovered so Man U could sign him & then had another year out before he actually joined? I might be confused though.

I assume Owen's clause stands during the whole terms of contract & not just this summer so I'll be interested to see how next season goes.

The one that bugs me is Cissé - no-one wants him & especially at anywhere near what we paid for him, not even 25% of it

[DJT75]

Turns out they tried to sign him in April 2000 & eventually did in April 2001 - so it was still a year out..

[po_man]

Personally, i think Owen would fit into Arsenal's team rather nicely and wouldn't be too disappointed if we made a bid. He would be a perfect 'fox in the box' and i could see him getting some incredible service, which he'd thrive on.
I don't believe he's past his best but there certainly will be a question mark on his fitness. And another stumbling block would be his fee and wages...

[Steven]

Don't worry about that - money was not a factor in his move to Newcastle, so it won't be an issue for anyone else

[RMCF]

I hope I am not coming across as someone who is using this thread as a means to have a go at Owen.

I was always an admirer of him in his early days. One of the best finishers of recent times (although not as clinical/natural a finisher as Fowler imho). But I believe that the likes of Newcastle, Spurs, Villa, Everton is now his level.

Anyway, instead of me pontificating, we have enough fans of the Top 4 on here for them to give their opinion.

So come on Chelsea/Utd/Arsenal/Liverpool fans - if your team has the chance to splash out on a single forward this summer, would you be happy with Owen in front of all the others available?

Be honest now.

[Steven]

I think that has been answered Most have name dropped Villa and/or Torres... or Voronin