Newcastle to bid £16M for Real Madrid striker Owen

Newcastle United have again been linked with Real Madrid striker Michael Owen.
 
Geordies boss Graeme Souness is ready to offer £16 million to Real Madrid for the England striker, who insisted only last week that he wants to stay in Madrid next season.

Souness confirmed last month that Owen was on his shopping list and tried to sign the England ace during January's market, only to be told by Real chiefs that he wasn't for sale.

But Newcastle hope Real's rebuilding plans over the summer will force a rethink and their bid will be enough to convince the European giants to cash in on a player who can count on coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo as one of his strongest supporters.