Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Allardyce keen to keep Owen

15 May 2007 - 15:59:46

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Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he will move quickly to hold talks with Michael Owen and will attempt to persuade the striker that his future lies on Tyneside.

The 27-year-old England international, who has made only 14 appearances in his two seasons with the Magpies because of injury, recently returned to first-team action.

However, Owen's recovery from the serious injury he suffered at last summer's World Cup Finals, has coincided with renewed speculation linking him with a move away from the north-east.

After penning a three-year contract, Allardyce told the club's official website: "One of the first things I'll be doing is sitting down with Michael Owen and having a little chat with him.

"I'll be asking him does he want to stay with us or go? Obviously I'd like him to stay because he has that rare commodity of being able to score goals.

"What I think Michael needs is more time to get on track for us and hopefully he'll decide to take that time."