Newcastle United will try as hard as they can to get Michael Owen to sign a new contract at the club according to Chairman Chris Mort.

Owen was firing on all cylinders at the weekend as he helped Newcastle beat local rivals Sunderland 2-0 on Sunday. Owen got two goals in the game and was also instrumental in other Newcastle attacks during the game.

Owen has one year left on his existing deal and his future has being unclear for a few months now.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan wants to get Owen tied down to the club before the end of the season, and Keegan has been boosted by the news that Owen is keen to sign a new deal with The Magpies.

Newcastle are now ready to start talks with Owen about a long term contract now that they now they’ll be playing Premier League football next season.