Keegan - Even Owen has a price

Newcastle boss confirms no player is 'untouchable'

Last updated: 29th August 2008

Newcastle v Bolton Michael Owen

Owen: Contract discussions

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Kevin Keegan has conceded all his Newcastle players have a price as Michael Owen's contract talks look no closer to being resolved.

The two parties have been locked in discussions with regards an extension but as yet no accord has been struck, with rumours on Friday suggesting Owen has been offered a one-year contract extension at £85,000-a-week, some £18,000-a-week less than his current deal.

Keegan is determined to keep the England international at St James' Park and is confident that a new deal will eventually be struck.

However, while he is quick to allay any fears the club's supporters may hold, Keegan admits that no player is 'untouchable', a fact reiterated by James Milner's move to Aston Villa: "I don't think any player is untouchable, that's the first thing I have got to say.

Talks ongoing

"That's not to say in any way, shape or form that we want to see Michael Owen leave this club. I certainly would not support that.

"But look around football and look what's happening, and I'm afraid a club and a manager not wanting a player to go sometimes is not enough.

"At the moment, I am sat here very relaxed about where we are. Yes, we have got a lot of injuries - that happens in football - but those players will get over the injuries, they will come back into the team and they will perform for the club.

"The fans shouldn't be worried. I am certainly not - and if I was worried, I would tell them."