Wigan almost had their man when Owen left Real Madrid, as they were the only club (at that time) willing to cough up £17m.Owen For Wigan? Perhaps Not But He's On His Way All The Same!
Wigan almost had their man when Owen left Real Madrid, as they were the only club (at that time) willing to cough up £17m.And Owen admitted he thought seriously about the offer, until Newcastle matched it.
With the Toon chairman suggesting the purse strings are closed to Sam Allardyce in the January transfer window (because in truth neither Mort nor owner Mike Ashley think he has spent £25m wisely), Big Sam could be forced to sell before he can buy.
Owen, who will end up costing Newcastle a staggering £35m in transfer and wages over his four year contract, has been a white elephant as far as appearances go. And Sam could well cash in.
Owen has had intensive treatment for a torn thigh muscle at a leading clinic in Munich, and the 27-year-old has stepped up his rehabilitation programme.
Bruce will not be alone in keeping a close eye on the England international's progress as January's transfer window approaches.
Manchester City were interested, but know full well the player has hardly played a match due to injuries in two and a half years.
Having taken charge at the JJB Stadium this week, Bruce has drawn up an ambitious shopping list with Owen's name is understood to be top of it.
Less than a month has passed since Owen admitted "I have not signed a new contract ... and I have not been offered one".