FOOTBALL

OWEN EDGES CLOSER TO MAN UTD WITH MEDICAL

Michael Owen hopes to salvage his international career with a move to Old Trafford

Friday July 3,2009

By Mauro Galluzzo for express.co.uk

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MICHAEL Owen has arrived at Manchester United's training ground as his move to the Premier League champions edged closer.

The 29-year-old arrived at Carrington this morning, having already undergone an assessment of his troublesome knee.

And he is expected to sign for United as soon as next week - if he passes the latest fitness tests.

Owen is a free agent after his contract at relegated Newcastle expired this week and has been linked with a move to Stoke, Hull and Everton.

But United, who have lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and main targets Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery, have turned to the England international to boost their forward line.

Owen suffered from a series of injury problems during his stint at St James' Park and Sir Alex Ferguson was thought to be lining up a pay-as-you-play deal for the forward.

He was believed to be on around £110,000 at Newcastle, for whom he scored 10 goals as they were relegated to the Coca-Cola Championship last season, but would be happy to take a reduced basic salary for a top-four club.

Owen has failed to persuade England coach Fabio Capello that he has both the form and fitness to add to his 89 international caps but would relish the chance to forge a partnership with the Italian's first-choice striker, Wayne Rooney, at Old Trafford. United have yet to officially comment on the deal.