Owen handed Toon choice

Newcastle have offered striker Michael Owen a new three-year deal worth a reported £120,000, according to reports.

Owen is out of contract at the end of the season but owner Mike Ashley's bid to trim the Magpies' wage bill was thought to be a stumbling block, while Premier League rivals have been monitoring the situation.

However, it appears the club has performed something of a climbdown in a bid to keep the England striker at St James' Park.

Owen has struggled to stay fit since signing from Real Madrid but has already hit two winning goals this term - against Bolton and Coventry - despite an injury and illness-affected pre-season.

If Owen re-signs it will hand boss Kevin Keegan a boost after the reluctant sale of winger James Milner to Aston Villa this week.