Duff wary of Owen exit

Newcastle winger keen for club to tie down striker

By James Dall - EXCLUSIVE   Last updated: 2nd December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Duff wary of Owen exit

Duff: Eyeing Owen stay

It would obviously be a massive loss if he leaves. Hopefully the club sorts his deal out.

Damien Duff on Michael Owen
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Damien Duff has told skysports.com it would be a 'massive loss' if Michael Owen left Newcastle United.

Speculation over Owen's future on Tyneside is mounting with the striker's current contract due to expire at the end of the season.

A number of Premier League clubs, including his former side Liverpool, have been linked with moves for his signature.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez confirmed on Monday that he is not planning on a swoop for Owen, however the likes of Everton and Aston Villa remain rumoured suitors.

Duff, who has played alongside Owen at St James' Park for two years, feels his team-mate is a vital member of the squad and is hopeful he will remain at the club.

The midfielder told skysports.com at an adiPure photo shoot: "He is a massive player and he has been for many years. He has obviously been unfortunate with injuries at Newcastle.

"But when he is fit, he plays and scores goals. It would obviously be a massive loss if he leaves. Hopefully the club sorts his deal out."

Owen has made 54 top-flight appearances for Newcastle, scoring 22 goals, since he signed from Real Madrid in 2005.