Striker deal on agenda

Newcastle will re-open contract talks with Michael Owen on Tuesday although boss Joe Kinnear concedes the striker is in control.

Owen sees his deal expire at the end of the season and would be able to take his pick of clubs, while he has also been linked with a cut-price exit in the next transfer window.

The out-of-favour England international's initial negotiations with the club fizzled out when changes were made behind the scenes earlier in the campaign, but his Magpies future is now back on the agenda.

Kinnear said: "I've had a good relationship with Michael from day one. He's in control of his future. On Tuesday we will sit down to talk things through and his agent will be there.

"I will fight like hell to keep him. I don't see any point taking money for Michael Owen. I would rather have him in my team scoring goals than any amount of cash."