Michael Owen ready to join Manchester United
Jul 3 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
Owen will be hoping his high-profile move rejuvenates an England career which has ground to a halt since Fabio
Capello’s appointment. Rumours of Stoke interest in Martins were strengthened when their Nigerian midfielder Seyi Olofinjana gave his public approval. Tony Pulis is interested in signing a centre-forward but chairman Peter Coates was adamant it will not be Martins.
"There’s nothing in that one," he said. "We haven’t had contact or discussions about him at all.
"I don’t know where the story has come from, but there is no substance to it." Mark Viduka’s agent believes his client can heap further embarrassment on the Magpies by starring at the next World Cup, and Steve Kutner is confident he can find the Australian another English club to allow that to happen.
"His reason in continuing to play on at the top level in England is to make sure he’s there in South Africa," he said. "He’s mulling over a couple of offers from two very good sides and a final decision will be made when he returns (from holiday) in a week or so." The former Middlesbrough striker was also released by United this summer.
Further alterations to next season’s fixture list were confirmed yesterday after Sky Sports followed the BBC in announcing which early-season Championship matches they will show live.
United’s first Saturday home game, against Reading on August 15, will now kick-off at 5.20pm and the visit of Leicester City and trip to Cardiff City have been moved to August 31 at 7,45pm and September 13 at 2.05pm respectively.
