Bruce plots bid to entice Owen

[Scottish Mag 3]

STEVE Bruce is planning to test Newcastle’s resolve to hold on to Michael Owen as he prepares to make an audacious attempt to lure the £16m striker to Wigan.

 

But Owen’s sole focus is on regaining his place in United’s starting XI having returned to the club’s training ground following intensive treatment for a torn thigh muscle at a leading clinic in Munich.

 

That the 27-year-old has stepped up his rehabilitation programme cannot fail to act as a fillip for Sam Allardyce as he attempts to recover from his team’s latest destabilising Premier League defeat.

 

Yet the under-pressure Magpies boss will not be alone in keeping a close eye on the England international’s progress as January’s transfer window approaches.

 

Having taken charge at the JJB Stadium this week, Bruce has drawn up an ambitious shopping list as he attempts to recruit the players he feels are required to guarantee Premier League survival. Owen’s name is understood to feature on it.

 

Wigan’s Corbridge-born boss – then in charge at Birmingham – tried to sign the striker prior to his record-breaking move to St James’s Park from Real Madrid in 2005. Owen also rejected an offer from Latics chairman Dave Whelan in order to join Newcastle. The Journal understands that, having joined forces this week, Bruce and Whelan have revived their interest in the former Liverpool favourite. The latter has earmarked significant funds for squad strengthening and informed his manager that he has no qualms about bankrolling a move for such a high-profile player. Yet encouragement from the North-East is not expected.

 

Less than a month has passed since Owen admitted that he has become both bemused and frustrated about the speculation that continues to surround his future plans. “I’m still here, and I’m loving it here,” insisted a player contracted to Newcastle for a further 18 months. “There hasn’t been a month without someone saying that I’m going here, there or everywhere. But I’m looking forward to continuing the season at Newcastle.”

 

Allardyce last month warned Owen’s suitors not to bother bidding for the striker and insisted that Newcastle’s asking price would prove prohibitive. But, although the ill-conceived release clauses inserted into the player’s contract are no longer valid, the 53-year-old admitted that his determination to retain his number 10’s services would weaken were a transfer to be demanded.

 

While Manchester City’s long-held interest in Owen remains a concern, Wigan’s interest isn’t expected to appeal. Bruce is keen to pair the forward with Emile Heskey, his England team-mate, but the Latics boss is understood to be realistic about his chances.

 

Owen’s immediate concern is his fitness rather than his future and having returned from Dr Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt’s renowned clinic this week, the striker is determined to make his latest first-team comeback as soon as possible.

 

The initial diagnosis suggested that Owen would spend six weeks on the sidelines. But having made a positive response to the treatment he has received in Bavaria, it is hoped that the healing process can be expedited.

 

That will come as welcome news for Allardyce as he strives to recover from Saturday’s damaging 3-0 defeat by Liverpool. Owen will not be available for Saturday’s difficult game at Blackburn, but Abdoulaye Faye and Steven Taylor might be.

 

The pair missed last weekend’s debacle, but are hoping the respective hamstring and back problems that sidelined them will have cleared up in time to enable them both to participate at Ewood Park. David Rozehnal and Jose Enrique stand to lose their places.

 

Although Newcastle have taken just one point from the last 12 available, more than 5,000 supporters are expected to travel to Blackburn this weekend. “That’s fantastic,” said Allardyce last night. “It makes me more determined to do well for them and it’s something that I’ll be reminding the players about this week. It’s amazing. It shows the passion that our fans have for the club.”

 

Meanwhile, Falkirk manager John Hughes is keen to keep on-loan goalkeeper Tim Krul until next summer. The Dutchman’s current contract is nearing an end, but Hughes hopes Allardyce will agree to extend it.

 

Matty Pattison, on loan at Norwich, is keen to make his move to Carrow Road a permanent one having been reunited with Glenn Roeder. United officials are not expected to oppose his departure.

[nufc4ever 0]

They make it sound like Owen has to try to get in the starting XI.

[bassplayerjj 0]

we need to convince the little wretch that him and heskey were born to play together. Force the litte'un out for as much as we can get! shame he probably will not want to go anywhere that doesn't pay him 120k a week or whatever he's on =/

[Fop 1]

we need to convince the little wretch that him and heskey were born to play together. Force the litte'un out for as much as we can get! shame he probably will not want to go anywhere that doesn't pay him 120k a week or whatever he's on =/

 

Yup, with Martins 3:1 scoring ratio who needs him anyway? Actually do any of our current strikers have a decent scoring ratio when played regularly? I got a sneaking suspicion Ameobi might have the best record.

[bassplayerjj 0]

we need to convince the little wretch that him and heskey were born to play together. Force the litte'un out for as much as we can get! shame he probably will not want to go anywhere that doesn't pay him 120k a week or whatever he's on =/

 

Yup, with Martins 3:1 scoring ratio who needs him anyway? Actually do any of our current strikers have a decent scoring ratio when played regularly? I got a sneaking suspicion Ameobi might have the best record.

 

You wouldnt be wrong if you counted their last 15 to 20 starts or so

[Dr Gloom 26363]

fuck off.

[Jimbo 175]

Someone tell Michael to hurry up, I've got the engine running.

[acrossthepond 1178]

There's no way he's going to Wigan.

 

I mean, Wigan. Howay man.

 

p.s. Jimbo, you better go on and catch it, then.

[Shearergol 0]

Someone tell Michael to hurry up, I've got the engine running.

 

Is Martins sat in the back seat?

[Meenzer 18039]

Someone tell Michael to hurry up, I've got the engine running.

 

Is Martins sat in the back seat?

 

I hope Jimbo's got a booster seat for him if so.

[Jimbo 175]

Someone tell Michael to hurry up, I've got the engine running.

 

Is Martins sat in the back seat?

 

I hope Jimbo's got a booster seat for him if so.

 

Its got wheelchair access at the back.

[Meenzer 18039]

Someone tell Michael to hurry up, I've got the engine running.

 

Is Martins sat in the back seat?

 

I hope Jimbo's got a booster seat for him if so.

 

Its got wheelchair access at the back.

 

That's Viduka and Ameobi catered for too then. Smashing!

[Ketsbaia 22]

[trophyshy 9004]

Hopefully you're taking them all to finishing school