Newcastle United have shown their hand in the ongoing negotiations over the future of Michael Owen.

Despite the danger of losing the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker for nothing in the summer when his contract expires, Joe Kinnear still insists that the £17M man will not be sold during the January window. Yet the positive side - the retention of the services of one of the few English 20 goal-a-season aces - is outweighed by Owen himself citing the departure of Kevin Keegan in September as a turning point in negotiations. Concerns must be growing amongst the St James Park faithful that they will, sooner or later, be searching for yet another idol on whom to pin their hopes of glory.

Given the issues surrounding the fitness and form of Viduka, Martins and Ameobi, some in the Toon Army will be praying for buyer to appear for the club. New ownership, and the much-rumoured subsequent 3^rd return of King Kev may be all that would keep Owen on Tyneside.