Real reject Owen flies in for talks with Magpies

Damian Spellman

The 25-year-old Real Madrid striker met with Newcastle officials for several hours, but there was no word from the club about the outcome.

The talks involved Newcastle boss Graeme Souness, skipper Alan Shearer, chairman Freddy Shepherd and his son Kenny, together with coach Dean Saunders.

All were involved as the Magpies attempted to persuade the former Liverpool player to join.

Owen flew to England after being left out of the Real side for Sunday night's Primera Liga match at Cadiz.

He was not even on the bench for the opening game of Real's league season, fuelling speculation Owen has played his last match for the club.

Owen has revealed he would sooner join his former club Liverpool than Newcastle, and it is understood he was also planning talks with Anfield officials during his trip.

He left Liverpool for Spain in an £8million move just last summer but is keen to return, providing agreement can be reached with Real.

Newcastle were told Owen would consider a loan move to Tyneside, and then a club-record bid upped the stakes when it was accepted by Owen's current employers.

That left Liverpool with plenty to consider if they are to bring him back to the club where his career began.

Rafael Benitez, who has played down his club's interest in Owen, may not have the funds to match Newcastle's offer, but that could alter if Marseille follow up their interest in Djibril Cisse before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.

Real are chasing Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos and need the proceeds from Owen's sale to activate an £18.4million buy-out clause in the 19-year-old's contract having already spent almost £40million already this summer.

For that reason, Owen is unlikely to be allowed to leave on loan, and the Magpies have already ruled out a temporary move, although their need means they could be more flexible.

Newcastle are desperate to recruit a top-quality striker to assist Shearer and new £9.5million signing Albert Luque after failing to score a single goal in their first four Barclays Premiership matches.

Shearer has emerged as a potentially key figure in Newcastle's operation and was earlier in the day keeping his fingers crossed that Owen would choose Tyneside over Merseyside.

He told BBC Radio: "I know if he came here he would be loved. They love their goalscorers up here and he would be a hero."