Real Madrid's Owen: I have great respect for Souness, Newcastle

Real Madrid striker Michael Owen says he is flattered that Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness wants to sign him.

"I respect Graeme Souness as a player, he was a fantastic player, and he is doing very well as the manager of Newcastle," said Owen, who will lead England's attack tonight at St James' Park against Azerbaijan.

"Newcastle is a fantastic club but as I have said many times before, I'm happy in Madrid. If you're not playing every week, people will always put two and two together and start linking players with other clubs."

"I'm not delighted sitting on the bench, but let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill."