Newcastle's last ditch bid to keep Michael Owen

Aug 31 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE United last night offered Michael Owen a bumper new three-year deal in a bold late bid to keep him at St James’s Park.

Owen had been poised to snub the offer of a one-year extension to his current deal, which expires next summer.

But the Magpies have now underlined their determination to keep Owen for the long term with a stunning new offer.

A club official told the Sunday Sun late last night: “Newcastle United can confirm that captain Michael Owen has been offered an extended and improved three-year contract.

“The proposed terms of the new deal include an increased salary for Michael and demonstrate the club’s commitment to keeping him.

“And the club very much hope that this enhanced contract offer will keep him at St James’s Park.”

Owen had been offered a new one-year deal on £80,000 a week, but the club’s new proposal could see him outstrip his current £105,000 a week wages.