Man Utd to offer £12M for Real Madrid striker Owen

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to launch a £12 million bid for Real Madrid striker Michael Owen.
 
Fergie is red-hot favourite to get Owen after Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger last night ruled out a bid. Owen is unhappy at becoming fifth-choice striker at the Bernabeu and Real say they are ready to sell him.

Old Trafford chief executive David Gill insists Fergie does not need to sell before he can buy.

Gill said: "If Sir Alex identifies to us a player he wants, the money is there to get him."

Owen's future will be sealed this week at a meeting with Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno and director of football Sacchi.

Italian Sacchi said: "You can't have the attitude that you will only stay if you are playing."

"If a player is unhappy because he is not playing, it is better that he goes. You have to put yourself at the disposition of the squad."

United face competition for Owen from Newcastle, who are desperate to find Alan Shearer a new strike partner and would be keen on a 12-month loan deal.