Owen agrees Magpies move

Michael Owen has agreed to join Newcastle after holding talks with The Magpies and former club Liverpool.

The Real Madrid star held discussions with Newcastle and Liverpool on Monday and he has now agreed a four-year deal at St James' Park.

Owen is currently undergoing a medical on Tyneside and he successfully comes through that he will become the club's new record signing.

The England international's future has been the subject of intense speculation all summer with Real Madrid bringing in Brazilian duo Robinho and Julio Baptista.

Owen had been worried about his international ambitions if he was not going to be playing regularly at Real and he decided that he needed to leave the Spanish club to safeguard his England place ahead of next summer's World Cup.

The news is a massive boost for Newcastle boss Graeme Souness following his side's dismal start to the season which has seen Newcastle fail to win a game and score a goal this season.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd hailed the signing of Owen as one of his proudest moments at the club.

"Bringing Michael to St. James' Park will rank alongside the signing of Alan Shearer as my proudest moment at Newcastle United," Shepherd told the club's official website.

"Newcastle fans love centre-forwards and Michael is a fantastic goalscorer. He's someone we would love to build the team around and we hope he can help us bring success to the club."

Owen should make his debut against Fulham in two weeks should he put the finishing touches to his move.