Source: SKY_Sports
Newcastle prepare Owen deal
ewcastle United are to sit down again with Michael Owen in a bid to thrash out a new contract for the England striker.[LNB] The original deal offered to Owen was withdrawn on 1st January after he made it clear no decision would be made on his future until the summer.[LNB]With Owen's existing contract at St James' Park due to expire at the end of the season it has come as little surprise a number of suitors are monitoring his situation closely.[LNB]The likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa and Everton have all been credited with holding an interest, but Newcastle's managing director Derek Llambias has no intention of losing a prized-asset without a fight.[LNB]"We offered Michael a new contract and he has chosen to walk away and think about his future," he told the Evening Chronicle.[LNB]"It's not on the table any more after 1st January. But we'll be sitting down with him again soon and seeing what he wants to do.[LNB]"It's difficult - he's a goalscorer who has 10 already this season in the games he's played.[LNB]Decision time"It's down to Michael. He's done his term here, and it was lucrative, but he's decided he wants to wait until the end of the season.[LNB]"So it's a case of watch this space."[LNB]United are also thought to be keen to tie Habib Beye, Obafemi Martins and Damien Duff to fresh deals.[LNB]"We've done new contracts for (Steve) Harper, Shola (Ameobi) and Nicky Butt," he added.[LNB]"We're doing three more as well. We're constantly on the move with those, we're renewing contracts and we're reviewing our team all of the time."[LNB]
