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Is Owen Worth the Gamble? Wednesday 10th June 2009
Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has recently been linked with a move to Aston Villa, but is he worth the gamble?
The 29-year-old was part of the Newcastle team that suffered relegation from the Premier League on the last day of the season at Villa Park, where he might be playing his football next term.
Fantasy Stakes players will know that many pundits have been describing Owen as a spent force and that he is on a downward spiral.
But a number of clubs have been linked with the former England international as he looks to resurrect his career.
He scored eight goals in 28 games for the Magpies last season but was frustrated by injury for most of the season.
And whichever club Owen decides to join will have to be wary of the constant injury problems that have blighted him in recent years.
Rumours have circulated that Villa are prepared to offer the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man a two-season deal with the option of a year extension dependent on injury and goals.
But manager Martin O’Neill has rubbished such reports and a statement on the Villa website said that there was no truth in the reports.
If Owen moved to the midlands he would be re-united with former England and Liverpool striker Emile Heskey.
Heskey and Owen had a potent partnership and O’Neill may take that into consideration if any deal is to be done.
But with John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor vying for an attacking place O’Neill will have to seriously question whether Owen would be a valuable addition the squad.
As Villa look to break into the top four next season, fantasy football players could see a few comings and goings as they look for more options in the final third.
With Gareth Barry already moving on to pastures new, it could be a very new-look Villa side that starts the season in August.
