Newcastle step up efforts to keep Owen

Updated 12.49 Sun Aug 31 2008
Keywords: kevin keegan, michael owen, newcastle united, football, premier league, sport

Newcastle have offered Michael Owen a three-year contract extension.

The 28-year-old England international only has one year left on his current deal but the club have confirmed they have offered him a pay rise.

"The proposed terms of the new deal include an increased salary" - Newcastle spokesman

A spokesman said: "Newcastle United can confirm that captain Michael Owen has been offered an extended and improved three-year contract.

"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."

Owen joined Newcastle from Real Madrid three years ago but he has only played 45 Premier League matches for the club because he has been plagued by injuries.

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