Redknapp - Owen could stay

Spurs boss thinks Magpies could retain striker

Last updated: 19th December 2008

Redknapp - Owen could stay

Redknapp - Owen could stay

There is every chance he will stay at Newcastle because it's a great club.

Redknapp on Owen
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Harry Redknapp does not think it is a forgone conclusion that Michael Owen will see out his contract at Newcastle United.

The Magpies' ace is out of contract in the summer and is being widely tipped to leave the club on a free transfer next summer.

Newcastle are desperate to retain the England international striker's services and have offered him new terms to stay at St James' Park.

The north east outfit may even cash in on the striker, who is one of the leading scorers in Premier League history, rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.

Although many are tipping Owen to quit Newcastle, Spurs boss Redknapp thinks that there is every chance the 29-year-old could commit to The Magpies.

Plenty of goals

"He's still got plenty of life and plenty of goals in him," stated Redknapp.

"He will be a great free transfer for somebody if he doesn't sign for Newcastle, but I think there is every chance he will stay at Newcastle because it's a great club."

Redknapp had been extremely close to becoming Newcastle's manager last January prior to Kevin Keegan's arrival, only to opt to stay at Portsmouth.

It was question mark of Redknapp's desire to manage a 'top four' club that helped persuade him to quit Pompey for Spurs two months ago.

"It was a tough job to turn down because I have always been a big admirer of Newcastle, you only have to turn up and see all them Geordies in their black and white stripes to realise what a big, big club it is," he continued.

Not up for the challenge

"When the Spurs job came, I thought 'I've turned it down once' and had heard people say I didn't want to take a challenge on and didn't want to manage a big club.

"That irritates you because I've always taken on challenges at struggling clubs.

"I thought 'well, this is my last chance to manage a big club', so I had to take it.

"I have always taken challenges on. Who else would be stupid enough to leave Portsmouth for Southampton and then go back again?"