Michael Owen to Manchester United

Manchester United have the most potent strike force in the Premiership so who is Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly interested in bringing to Old Trafford . . . only England's leading goalscorer in competitive games Michael Owen.

The News of the World reports that Newcastle United have failed to begin talks on a new contract with the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker and it's believed that Owen would be expected to accept a wage cut of £40,000 a week. Sources close to the player believe this will be rejected and that the striker will seek a move away from St James' with Manchester United set to swoop.

Sir Alex Ferguson has long been an admirer of the England international and believes Owen's natural instinct in front of goal could provide them another 20 goals a season, providing he stays fit. But do Manchester United really need him? With the likes of Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney and co at his disposal, Ferguson is already guaranteed goals. However, nobody at Old Trafford offers him the same threat as Owen. Even though his main weapon, pace, has deserted him in recent seasons, Owen remains one of the world's best predators in the penalty box. He could turn defeats into draws and draws into wins. And when you consider the amount of chances that Ronaldo, Nani, Scholes and Rooney create you'd put your house on Owen hitting double figures in the Premiership alone.

However, Newcastle fans will be livid if Owen is allowed to leave for just £7 million, as reported by the News of the World. They have only just started to see glimpses of the real Michael Owen, who cost them £16 million, after years of injuries and it would be a real slap in the face for them if he were to up and leave now, especially with the attack-minded Keegan in charge.

But Michael Owen is a winner and, following Keegan's outburst after the defeat at home to Chelsea,  he knows that he will not be able to put a Premiership winner's medal in his trophy cabinet if he remains in the North East. He also wants to put himself back in Fabio Capello's plans so he can break Sir Bobby Charlton's illustrious goalscoring record for England. Owen has scored 26 competitive goals for England and 40 overall, just nine behind Charlton. Keegan will obviously do his utmost to keep his prized asset at the club but, if the reports are true that Mike Ashley plans to slash the club's huge wage bill,  then he will be unable to stop Owen leave.

Some Manchester United fans may be a bit dubious about Owen, a former Liverpool star, joining them, but they do need cover for Rooney and Tevez and, for £7 million Owen, a player with Premiership, international and Champions League experience, would be a steal.

Michael Owen is a top class player and deserves to ply his trade at the highest level. The Champions League is where he wants to be but that is unlikely to happen at Newcastle United for a number of seasons. It looks as though Keegan may have to start a rebuilding project at St James' Park without Owen.

However, Arsene Wenger is another big fan of Michael Owen - along with Obafemi Martins - and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Frenchman linked with the England striker in the coming months.