Last Updated: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:46
Man Utd are assessing Michael Owen's fitness at Carrington as he nears a shock switch to Old Trafford from Newcastle.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid star is available on a free transfer having fallen out of contract at Newcastle this month, with Aston Villa, Everton, Stoke and Hull also known to be keeping tabs on his situation.
Some bookmakers have slashed the odds on Owen joining the Premier League champions, who have added just Antonio Valencia to their ranks so far this close season.
Having lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer and missed out on Lyon frontman Karim Benzema, Sir Alex Ferguson is stepping up his attempts to add to his striking options.
But Owen's injury record means the Red Devils are set to make sure he is the right man as the discarded England international looks to make it back into Fabio Capello's squad ahead of the World Cup.