With the former England striker leaving Old Trafford this summer, Phil Kitromilides looks at where the 32-year-old could be playing his football next season
With wholesale changes expected to the Manchester United squad which ended the season trophy-less, it is not surprising that Michael Owen finds himself surplus to requires at Old Trafford.The 32-year-old's time with the Red Devils has been plagued by injury, which has been sadly typical for the former England striker, yet having regained fitness, Owen will feel he still has at least a season or two left at the highest level, and there will more than a few Premier League clubs interested in procuring his services.
Leading the betting are Stoke City priced at Evens (2.00) with William Hill, and Potters manager Tony Pulis may well find the prospect of pairing Owen with another former England striker Peter Crouch an intriguing one.
Wages may prove to be a stumbling block, although with the signing of Crouch and previously Kenwyne Jones, Stoke have proved themselves capable of finding money to pay for players should they desire them enough. There is also the feeling that Owen himself might be so desperate to play that he will accept a considerable reduction in his weekly salary.
Next in the betting come Everton offered at 8/1 (6.00) to be Owen next destination and this could be tempting bet.
The Toffees' lack of funds has often seen them turn to free agents, and with Denis Stracqualursi heading back to Argentina they are in need of some reinforcements up front.
Despite his connections with Liverpool, Owen's natural goal scoring instincts may be just what Everton are looking for, and the price for Goodison Park to be his next destination looks appealing. Speaking of Liverpool, a romantic yet unlikely return to Anfield is priced at 25/1 (26.00).
Next in the betting come Swansea and Wigan both priced at 10/1 (11.00), while Aston Villa are offered at 12/1 (13.00) and given Emile Heskey's departure from Villa Park, his former England team mate could be convinced to replace him in the Midlands. Plenty of Championship sides are also quoted by William Hill as being Owen's next permanent club, with the shortest priced of those being Blackpool and Brighton both at 16/1 (17.00).
Tangerines manager Ian Holloway successfully signed former England striker Kevin Philips last season, with the veteran forward returning his trust in him with 17 goals. An impressive tally for a 38 year old.
Owen is younger and naturally more gifted than Philips and in the right Championship team he could prove unstoppable.
Michael Owen's next club:
Stoke City: 2/1 (3.00)
Everton: 5/1 (6.0)
Swansea: 10/1 (11.0)
Wigan: 10/1 (11.0)
Aston Villa: 12/1 (13.0)
Blackpool: 16/1 (17.0)
Brighton: 16/1 (17.0)
Liverpool: 25/1 (26.0)
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Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid, you can also follow Phil on Twitter
