July 3, 2009
Posted: 827 GMT

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Just when you thought transfer speculation could not get any more far-fetched, news circulates today that Michael Owen – man of many injuries, relegated from the English Premier League with Newcastle United and now out of contract, is having a medical with domestic champions Manchester United.

Will Owen complete one of the most surprising transfers of the close season by joining Manchester United?
Will Owen complete one of the most surprising transfers of the close season by joining Manchester United?

It seems the brochure Owen produced to garner interest from top-flight clubs  has been a hit with Old Trafford supremo Alex Ferguson, who is keen to bring in a striker after losing out on both Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema.

The rumor has been reported widely by the British press. Do you think it is a good move for Manchester United? Add your comment below.

The Guardian call the potential move "astonishing" adding that Owen, who had recently been linked with Stoke City and Hull City had been "written off in many quarters as a has-been" but could complete one of the most "unexpected transfers" of the close season.

The Daily Telegraph confirms the rumor saying that despite his strong links with arch-rivals Liverpool, the 29-year-old would "welcome a move to United" because it would give him the chance to prove himself at Champions League level and also bolster his chances of regaining his place in England head coach Fabio Capello's plans for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Elsewhere, The Times rams home the unexpected nature of the move by pointing out that Owen, who joined the ranks of the unemployed on Wednesday, when his contract at Newcastle expired, had been very concerned about a lack of interest in his signature after his former club Liverpool showed no desire to sign him, and Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce had said Owen was too injury prone.

Meanwhile, The Sun calls the move the "biggest gamble of Ferguson's career." The paper adds that the manager who "likes a flutter" considered signing the veteran striker in the January transfer window but has now thought again. Can he resurrect Owen's career as he did with Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, Teddy Sheringham and Henrik Larsson? If Owen does sign it will be for a 50 percent pay cut according to the paper.

It looks like Fergie is keen to tie up another deal as well to ensure goals continue to flow next season. Sevilla's 28-year-old Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano is on the shopping list for a fee of $26m, though the Red Devils will have to fight off competition from AC Milan who are keen to replace Kaka.
Daily Mirror

The rumors around Franck Ribery’s departure from Bayern Munich continue to do the rounds. After reporting the French winger’s intentions to leave the Bundesliga to join Real Madrid on Thursday L’Equipe have followed this today with news that Ribery left early from training with his teammates yesterday. Divorce seems likely the newspaper suggests and who are we to argue?

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Posted by:
Filed under: 1 • Manchester United • Transfer Window • football


Share this on:
Gabriel   July 3rd, 2009 1024 GMT

It will be great if Ferguson can give the struggling and injury prone Michael a chance to revive his career. No doubt MIchael is in the twilight of professional football, but he still has a lot to contribute especially in donning England's colours in 2010 world cup. Ferguson, please give Michael a chance and leave the rest to history. It is a worthy gamble

petr   July 3rd, 2009 1209 GMT

shrewd move, take a dead beat player and give him a second chance. Wenger used to do that and it works. Ferguson is onto something here...

Habib   July 3rd, 2009 1222 GMT

i want Ferguson to Sign Aguero or David Villa

missjkwon   July 3rd, 2009 1442 GMT

This is great news! Michael is one of my favorite players! I hope I can see him play when ManU plays against FC Seoul later in July! =)

p.moktan   July 3rd, 2009 1554 GMT

great Owen could be one of the super subs for MANU at the same time revive his playing career for another 5 years which i think he has + built his new market value. I do hope he over comes his injury – like Ronaldo (Brazil) did before they won the world cup in Korea. Best of luck Michael !

Duhawma   July 4th, 2009 1700 GMT

Hurray ... My dream has come true. good for MIchael, good for Man utd

Awadh   July 5th, 2009 1239 GMT

Owen is a great player,what a great decesion from Ferguson.

darren burton   July 5th, 2009 2203 GMT

ave been i life long fan of manchester united and respect sir alex in every way possible but to buy owen i think its a big mistake. am not saying he is rubbish because am not hes had is time, but the evidence is there with nothing but injury, i do hope he is worth all the contaversy which there will be lots of it. and it doesnt ruin us as a club and not get the results we do get. but anyway time will tell wont it............

susanne   July 6th, 2009 239 GMT

Well i think it is good but 1 thing his injuries are a concern.Sir Alex kno what he is doing are he wouldn't sign him, for me i would not put my money on him it is a very spectic decision.Well all i can say good luck anything that Sir Alex touch comes to gold.

Muhammad.   July 7th, 2009 2315 GMT

It is a wise decesion for MANU.As they signed micheal Owen.More grease to your elbow Mike!!.

Leave Your Comment


 

Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.


subscribe RSS Icon
About this blog

Pedro Pinto Box to box commentary and analysis on world football, led by CNN's resident playmaker, Pedro Pinto.

Get your football fix and join the debate in CNN's Football Fanzone:

Football Fanzone

Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP