Owen deal blow

Hull's efforts to land star striker Michael Owen look to have been in vain as he is set for a shock move to Manchester United.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid star is available on a free transfer having fallen out of contract at Newcastle this month, with Aston Villa, Everton, Stoke as well as Hull also known to be keeping tabs on his situation.

Some bookmakers have slashed the odds on Owen joining the Premier League champions, who have added just Antonio Valencia to their ranks so far this close season.

Having lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer and missed out on Lyon frontman Karim Benzema, Sir Alex Ferguson is stepping up his attempts to add to his striking options.

But Owen's injury record means the Red Devils are set to make sure he is the right man as the discarded England international looks to make it back into Fabio Capello's squad ahead of the World Cup.