Newcastle United Football Club

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

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Joe upbeat after Owen talks

18 Dec 2008 - 12:57:31

Click To Enlarge

Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear says he is more confident of persuading Michael Owen to stay at the club following talks with the England striker.

The 29-year-old's current contract runs out next summer and several other Premier League clubs are waiting to pounce in the January transfer window.

However, Kinnear has become more upbeat about the prospects of keeping Owen after discussions started over a fresh three-year deal.

"I spent about an hour with him a couple of days ago," Kinnear commented.

"He's had what I consider a very good offer, length of period of time three years, which would bring Michael up to 32-plus.

"I am optimistic, I am more optimistic now having spent that time talking to him.

"He's getting together with his agent in the next two or three days and coming back with an answer.

"Obviously they'll still be negotiating one way or the other, but we'll certainly find out, I would think, in the next two or three days."