Michael Owen has reportedly warned Newcastle that he could leave the club on a free transfer if his contract demands are not met.
Owen's current contract expires next summer, and is in talks to extend his deal at St James' Park.
However, The Guardian reports that Newcastle are reluctant to match or increase his current £105,000-a-week wage as they look to cut costs.
Owen and his representatives know that he could get a better deal elsewhere should he not sign a fresh contract, and could begin negotiations with other clubs from January.
The paper claims Owen would rather stay at Newcastle, but is negotiating from a position of considerable strength considering the offers he might receive from elsewhere.
Your Comments
scud17
"now he's just being greedy.. 105k is just rediculous for a player who's best days have come and gone... he should stop complaining andbe greatful for what he's offered.."
luvutdh8glazer
"Does anyone really think there's another club out there willing to line Little Mickeys to that extent? £105k per week?? If he wants to play he'll have to take whatever Newcastle throw at him because there won't be any other offers!"
KyleValentine
"free hey? come back to liverpool. you can enjoy the novelty-status robbie fowler enjoyed when he came back..."
wing68
"Quite expensive man.. owen i think he still can score some goal but he can't be a top scorer if his form still like this."
IBleedWhite
"I second Kevofaces motion. All in favour ....?"
kevoface
"I think footballers should be payed in jelly-sweets and compliments."
arye
"105k p/w for mickey owen? Newcastle should just let him go and find 2 new players and could be less pay than 105k. A player with only little contribution these days..I guess Newcastle is covering his huge cost for losing his horse racing gambling currently more thana anything else. "
peste
"Perhaps he's eyed a few pricey horses which he feels football could pay for. Fair enough having outside interests away from football, but the horse world really does consider itself a cut above any other sport and owen is buying into that lifestyle big time. He's not as likeable as he once was."
setanta1970
"Anyone who beleives the tripe written in the tabloids these days is an idiot!! The same people probably still think that a world war 2 bomber WAS ound on the moon!!!Haha numpties!!"
ComeontheRos
"Someone has to pay Ladbrokes"
All comments on this story