Inter line up Magpies swoop

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is being heavily linked with a player-plus-cash January swoop for Newcastle striker Michael Owen.

The former Chelsea chief is thought to be ready to test the 29-year-old England striker's resolve to remain at St James' Park until the end of the season when his current £100,000-a-week contract will expire. And the Magpies could be tempted to cash in on a player who could walk away for free if he decides against signing a new three-year deal on the table for him between now and this summer.

Boss Joe Kinnear is desperate for the club's £17million record signing to stay on at the club beyond this season, but reports that Inter could be ready to offer him £8milllion-rated Honduran striker David Suazo plus £1million could sway his thinking.

Manchester City, Spurs and Aston Villa have all been linked with a move for Owen, but Mourinho could steal a march on them and take him to Italy if Newcastle accept Inter's offer.