Magpies still in Owen hunt, admits Souness

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has confirmed he remains in the race to sign England striker Michael Owen despite the arrival of Albert Luque on Tyneside for a medical this morning.

Souness, who also confirmed the Magpies have made an inquiry about Dutch international Dirk Kuyt, hopes to have 27-year-old Luque in the squad for Sunday’s Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester United at St James’ Park after the Magpies agreed a £9.5m (€13.9m) fee with Deportivo La Coruna.