Newcastle determined to beat Arsenal for Real Madrid ace Owen

Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness is determined to beat Arsenal and Chelsea for Real Madrid striker Michael Owen in the summer.

The People says Souness is saving the bulk of his transfer budget for a move to end Owen's exile in Spain with Real Madrid.

And he hopes to have European football - and the chance of a regular first-team game - to tempt Owen in the three-way battle.

Newcastle could be the most attractive move on offer because Souness would make Owen his main man, either beside his hero Alan Shearer or replacing him.

There is one problem on the horizon for Owen - a massive tax bill if he comes home too soon. He could do with being out of the country for a year, so a transfer back may have to wait until late August.