Source: SKY_Sports
Butt backs Owen to stay
ewcastle midfielder Nicky Butt is confident that team-mate Michael Owen will stay at St James' Park.[LNB] The 34-year-old's comments may come as a shock to some given that many pundits expect the former Liverpool striker to leave the club for nothing in the summer.[LNB]Owen's current deal runs out at the end of the season and, after turning down the Toon board's offer of a new one, speculation is rife over where his future may lie.[LNB]With Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham all said to be trailing Owen many expect the 29-year-old England international to leave the North East.[LNB]But Butt is adamant that his close friend could end up remaining with Newcastle after all.[LNB]Shock"I still believe Michael could be staying, to be honest," Butt said.[LNB]"Obviously he's out of contract and negotiations have stopped at the minute. But it's not like he's going about saying 'I want to leave'.[LNB]"He's happy here, he's committed to Newcastle and I think there could be a bit of a shock in that maybe he'll stay if they can come to a deal.[LNB]"If players want to leave, you can tell straight away. Shay Given got to a point where it was time to leave.[LNB]"It was right for him. But I don't sense that from Michael."[LNB]
