NEWCASTLE // Newcastle United have offered their captain Michael Owen a three-year contract extension with a salary increase to keep him tied at St James' Park. The 28-year-old England striker is in the final season of his contract on Tyneside and could leave on a free transfer next summer. Owen has spent much of his three years since joining from Real Madrid on the sidelines because of injury but the Magpies boss Kevin Keegan knows he has one of Europe's most lethal marksman at his disposal when fit and is loathed to lose him.
"Michael Owen has been offered an extended and improved three-year contract," the club announced today. "The proposed terms of the new deal include an increased salary for Michael and demonstrate the club's commitment to keeping him. "The club hopes that this enhanced contract offer will keep him at St James' Park." Newcastle, who lost 3-0 to Arsenal yesterday, have won only once in the first three Premier League matches - thanks to Owen's goal against Bolton Wanderers.
*AP
