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Keegan says signing Owen to long contract is main summer aim

14/04/2008

Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan has claimed contract negotiations with Michael Owen will constitute the club's main aim of the summer transfer window.

Owen, 28, has been made club captain under Keegan and is enjoying a rare run of form for the Magpies, who have experienced the England star on the treatment table more than the pitch.

And Keegan, who is thought to be lining up a number of big-money moves during the close season, says his desire to keep Owen at the club far outweighs the importance of his wheeling and dealing in the transfer market.

"He's never really had the chance to prove [himself] because of injuries and people have, a bit unfairly, said, 'is he totally committed?'," Keegan explained to the Times newspaper.

"I'm the person best placed to answer that, and it's 'yes' with a capital Y.

"He has taken over the dressing-room with a couple of others and said, 'come on, let's get this club where it should be.'

"So he'll be our main signing next season, regardless of who comes in and how much they cost."

Owen, a £17 million signing from Real Madrid in 2006, has been the subject of persistent speculation linking him with a move away from the north-east - rumours he has consistently denied.

And Keegan, whose arrival was suggested could have unsettled the striker given paper talk of their unfavourable relationship when the coach was with England, said he is sure Owen wants to remain with the club.

"I talked to him last week and I don't think there will be any problem," he said.

"We want him and he wants to stay, I think. He enjoys being at Newcastle."