Kinnear battling to keep Owen in Toon

NEWCASTLE boss Joe Kinnear has admitted he has a battle on his hands to persuade skipper Michael Owen his future remains on Tyneside.

The 61-year-old will sit down with the England international on Tuesday with a new contract offer on the table amid speculation his time at St James’ Park is drawing to a close.

Owen, whose existing £103,000-a-week (€115,000) deal expires at the end of the current season, will be free to talk to potential suitors next month, and there will be no shortage of takers should he decide not to sign on the dotted line once again.