Owen still fancied to leave Newcastle

The bookmakers may have stopped taking bets on Michael Owen joining a new club this summer, but the England international is only a 5/2 shot with bet365 to leave Newcastle in January.

bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth said: "Michael has declared how happy he is at Newcastle and that's enough for us to close our book.

"We did see interest on him to leave during May when he was backed at 5/2, 7/4 and 6/4, but Owen is now saying he's chomping at the bit to start the campaign under Allardyce and that has to be a worry for Premiership defences."

He added however: "He may have declared his intention to start the season at St James' Park, but we could see a few clubs willing to trigger the £9m escape clause if he gets off to a flyer."