Magpies’ hopes of pinching Owen fading

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd has pulled out of a trip to Madrid after his hopes of signing Michael Owen appeared to recede.

The Magpies chief had been due to head for Spain yesterday after formalising his club’s interest in the Real Madrid striker, but instead flew to Dublin for last night’s friendly with Bray Wanderers.

Shepherd’s change of plan is being interpreted on Tyneside as an admission that his chances of persuading the 25-year-old England striker that his future lies on Tyneside have been dealt a blow by the man himself.