Owen having United medical
03 Jul 2009 - 11:26:44
Michael Owen has arrived at Manchester United's training ground for the second stage of his medical as he edges closer to a surprise move to Old Trafford.
Owen, 29, arrived at Carrington on Friday morning to continue the medical assessment which began with tests on his problematic knees in London on Thursday.
Should he be given the green light by the United medical team then the out-of-contract Newcastle United striker will join the Premier League champions in the most surprising transfer of the summer so far.
Owen is available on a free transfer but, after four injury-plagued years at St James' Park, was expected to join either Hull City or Stoke City.
However, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson appears ready to take a gamble on the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker, albeit on a pay-as-you-play contract.
Owen, who was earning a reported £100,000-a-week at Newcastle, has made just 76 appearances and scored 30 goals during his four seasons with the Magpies following a £16million arrival from Real Madrid.
United have yet to officially confirm their interest but their pursuit of Owen on a free transfer is in direct contrast to their attempt to sign £30million-rated France striker Karim Benzema.
The 21-year-old rising star has opted to join Real Madrid from Lyon in recent days after snubbing a move to the Premier League.
United have also lost Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish club in an £80million deal and failed to persuade Carlos Tevez that his future lies at Old Trafford so far this summer.