Martin O’Neill has moved to dismiss reports that Aston Villa have a deal in place to sign Michael Owen.
Speculation in Monday morning’s newspapers claimed that O’Neill has already struck an agreement to bring Owen, who is out of contract this summer, to Villa Park for next season.
Newcastle’s relegation to The Championship has served to all-but guarantee that Owen will be on the move despite an increasing lobby of thought that he has become a spent force.
Everton are among the favourites to bring the former Liverpool striker back to the area but it is Villa who have most recently been linked with a player they have reputedly agreed to pay up to £3 million a year.
“Martin O’Neill has this evening dismissed stories suggesting Villa have offered Michael Owen a two-year contract,” read a statement released on the club’s website on Monday evening.
“O’Neill has hit back after newspaper reports suggested that the club were ready to offer the England striker almost £3m per season – with a further 12-month option dependent on injuries and goals.”