Owen clause removed

Toon chairman confirms Owen is at St James' long-term

By Alex Dunn   Last updated: 17th October 2007

England Newcastle United Owen

Owen: Toon stay

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Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has moved to quell fresh speculation over Michael Owen's future by confirming a buy-out clause in his contract has been removed.

The England striker moved to St James' Park in 2005 in a £17million switch from Real Madrid but thus far his career in the North East has been hampered by injury.

Manchester City are the latest club to be credited with holding an interest in the former Liverpool favourite, but Mort insists the 27-year-old will stay at Newcastle long-term.

Much was made in the summer with regards a buy-out clause in Owen's contract, at a figure thought to be £9million, but Mort has confirmed this arrangement is now null and void.

No clause

"There was a clause in Michael's contract which allowed him to leave for a certain fee during the last transfer window and the summer before that as well, but that sort of clause does not exist any longer."

While Newcastle fans will likely be delighted to learn of Owen's commitment to the club, his manager Sam Allardyce is in no rush to extend his existing deal.

Owen has two years left to run on his current contract and Allardyce is eager for the player to prove his fitness over a sustained period, before entering into any kind of talks over an extension.

Allardyce said: "I'd like to see him fit for the next 20 games on the trot or more and then enter into a new contract.

"The most important thing is that he's available for selection every week and we can control it.

"Whether that means we lose him at the end of the day or not is non-negotiable because if it happens it happens but we want to see him fit, playing and scoring on a regular basis."