Owen on Hughes' radar

Mark Hughes is ready to test Newcastle's resolve to keep Michael Owen by launching a £4m January bid for the striker.

According to reports, City will make the cheeky bid next month to try and prise the England man back to the north-west.

Owen admitted before Christmas he would wait to make a decision on his long-term Newcastle future at the end of the season and insisted he would not be leaving in the new year transfer window.

However, with the the Magpies threatened with the former Liverpool ace leaving for nothing in June, they may be tempted to get rid in January.

City boss Hughes is a big fan of Owen, who, despite a series of niggling injuries this season, has still managed to hit seven league goals in just 11 starts.