Newcastle United have agreed a club record fee with Real Madrid for England striker Michael Owen.
The Magpies are determined to bring the former Liverpool forward to St James' Park even though he has expressed a preference for returning to Anfield.
Owen has indicated he would only join Newcastle on loan but The Magpies have agreed terms with Real, a club they are used to doing business with after selling Jonathan Woodgate to the Spanish giants.
The striker seems certain to move on from the Bernabeu this summer, following crunch talks with Real president Florentino Perez on Tuesday, and he admitted it would likely be a straight fight between Liverpool and Newcastle for his signature.
The England forward suggested his preferred choice was to head to Liverpool, adding he would only consider a loan move to St James' Park in what is a World Cup year.
However, these comments have not deterred Newcastle who have announced they have agreed a club-record fee with Real for the striker.
"Newcastle United have met Real Madrid's asking price and conditions," a statement on the club's website read.
"The agreed fee will be a record transfer fee for Newcastle United.
"It is now up to the player and his advisor."
Much will now depend on whether Magpies chief Graeme Souness can persuade the 25-year-old to pledge his future to Newcastle.
Owen's prowess in front of goal would give Newcastle a huge fillip, as they have yet to replace departed pair Craig Bellamy and Patrick Kluivert and are reliant on Alan Shearer, who is the current club-record signing at £15 million, ploughing a lone furrow in attack.
However, he has indicated that he is not keen on making a permanent switch to the North East and the offer from Tyneside could flush out other interested parties - with Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton all linked with the speedy forward.
The Magpies are determined to bring the former Liverpool forward to St James' Park even though he has expressed a preference for returning to Anfield.
Owen has indicated he would only join Newcastle on loan but The Magpies have agreed terms with Real, a club they are used to doing business with after selling Jonathan Woodgate to the Spanish giants.
The striker seems certain to move on from the Bernabeu this summer, following crunch talks with Real president Florentino Perez on Tuesday, and he admitted it would likely be a straight fight between Liverpool and Newcastle for his signature.
The England forward suggested his preferred choice was to head to Liverpool, adding he would only consider a loan move to St James' Park in what is a World Cup year.
However, these comments have not deterred Newcastle who have announced they have agreed a club-record fee with Real for the striker.
"Newcastle United have met Real Madrid's asking price and conditions," a statement on the club's website read.
"The agreed fee will be a record transfer fee for Newcastle United.
"It is now up to the player and his advisor."
Much will now depend on whether Magpies chief Graeme Souness can persuade the 25-year-old to pledge his future to Newcastle.
Owen's prowess in front of goal would give Newcastle a huge fillip, as they have yet to replace departed pair Craig Bellamy and Patrick Kluivert and are reliant on Alan Shearer, who is the current club-record signing at £15 million, ploughing a lone furrow in attack.
However, he has indicated that he is not keen on making a permanent switch to the North East and the offer from Tyneside could flush out other interested parties - with Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton all linked with the speedy forward.
Buy on AliExpress.com
:dielaugh:
