Kinnear hopeful Owen will stay
Joe Kinnear trying to convince Michael Owen to stay
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Thursday, 18, Dec 2008 09:10
Newcastle United manger Joe Kinnear is getting more confident that he can persuade Michael Owen to stay at the club.
Owen has been offered a new three-year contract at the club, but could leave for free in the summer when his current deal runs out. A host of clubs are thought to be interested in acquiring the services of the former European player of the year.
Only last week Kinnear said he wasn't confident that the 29-year-old would stay with the Magpies, but has since changed his mind after spending time with Owen.
"I spent about an hour with him a couple of days ago," said Kinnear. "He's had what I consider a very good offer, length of period of time three years, which would bring Michael up to 32-plus.
"I am more optimistic now having spent that time talking to him. He's getting together with his agent in the next two or three days and coming back with an answer.
"Obviously, they'll still be negotiating one way or the other, but we'll certainly find out, I would think, in the next two or three days."
Owen moved to Newcastle in the summer of 2005 after spending a season with Spanish giants Real Madrid. He has scored 29 goals in an injury plagued three-and-a-half seasons at the club.