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.

Speculation over Owen’s future has been rife all summer and Newcastle have never been very far from it after manager Graeme Souness admitted last season that he is the stature of player the club would be looking at as they attempt to first find a partner for, and then a replacement for, skipper Alan Shearer.

Manchester United have ruled themselves out of the race, although the Newcastle hierarchy would not be surprised if that stance changes. Meanwhile, one report yesterday suggested Liverpool could be ready to attempt to bring back one of their former stars.

The Magpies are aware that, should either the European champions or United - who beat them to the signature of Wayne Rooney as last season’s summer transfer window shut - make their move, they will struggle to compete for a striker who would create a real buzz on Tyneside.

“We have had a discussion with Real Madrid about Michael Owen and after that I have no comment to make,” said Shepherd.

Nine years have elapsed since Kevin Keegan beat off Alex Ferguson’s challenge to land Shearer, and the fact that Newcastle could not even offer Owen UEFA Cup football - let alone another crack at the Champions League following their Intertoto Cup disaster - would not work in their favour.

Souness is continuing his pursuit of Fulham’s Luis Boa Morte - keeper Steve Harper could be used as a makeweight in that deal - while the names of Nicolas Anelka, Mark Viduka and Robbie Keane have also been mentioned as the search for reinforcements grows ever more urgent.

The ongoing recruitment drive became even more important yesterday when Shearer was left behind as Souness and his squad flew out for last night’s friendly against Bray Wanderers.