MANCHESTER UNITED have taken the first steps in a
sensational move to sign Michael Owen.
Informal contact has been made between United and Owen's
representatives over a summer transfer. United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson believes he can snap up the England striker for a
cut-price £7million and is pushing for a speedy conclusion to the
deal
The United boss is convinced Owen can provide the missing
ingredient to his strike force – a penalty box predator who can
convert half chances. Fergie confirmed this week that an Owen-type
striker was high on his list of summer targets.
Louis Saha looks certain to be unloaded and Sir Alex said: "We
will buy. Along with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, we may need
experience in one forward position, somebody to take over from Ryan
Giggs eventually."
Owen's recent goal-scoring form has convinced Fergie he can
still cut it at the highest level. However, he would probably want
to sign the striker on an incentive-based contract, dependent on
games and goals.
United's interest comes at a time when Owen's future at
Newcastle has been thrown into serious doubt. Talks have yet to
begin on a new contract and the indications are that he will be
expected to take a £40,000-a-week cut on his £120,000-a-week
earnings.
That will be rejected by Owen and he will either press for an
immediate move or see out the last year of his deal and go for free
in 2009. Meanwhile, Fergie will pick up a £500,000 bonus if he
leads United to the double and nd his weekly wages will rise from
£70,000 to £90,000.
