By Chris O'Brien
April 16 2007

Manchester United have been linked with an unlikely move for Newcastle forward Michael Owen. The injury-prone striker has spent all season on the sidelines as he recovers from ligament damage.

Manchester United have been linked with a shock summer move for injury-prone Newcastle striker Michael Owen.

 

Reports have, for some time, suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to add new attacking talent to his squad over the summer and the latest rumours suggest that the United boss is lining up an unlikely £12million summer swoop for Owen.

 

Owen has been at St.James' Park since August 2005 but in that time has struggled with a series of injuries. He has scored seven goals for the Magpies since the move; registering only eleven appearances in a frustrating two seasons for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid front man.

 

The 27-year-old is just returning to fitness after spending a long spell on the sidelines with cruciate ligament damage. The Chester-born star picked up the injury during England's World Cup group match with Sweden; but is beginning to show signs of a full recovery after scoring in Newcastle’s recent 4-1 friendly win over Gretna.

 

Whilst constantly held back by injuries, there can be no doubt that Owen has enjoyed both a successful and flourishing career. He has been a regular on the international stage since making his England debut against Chile in February 1998; and boasts an impressive goalscoring record with both Real Madrid and first club Liverpool.

 

However, despite his undoubted ability, few United fans would be overjoyed to see Owen at Old Trafford. Not only would he carry a hefty price tag and wage demand, but he also struggles with injuries and has clear Scouse connections!

 

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