SUNDERLAND ARE LEADING the race to sign free agent Michael Owen, who failed to secure a new club before the close of the summer transfer window.
The 32-year-old was released by Manchester United after an underwhelming three years at Old Trafford, where Owen seemed to split his time between the substitutes’ bench and the treatment room.
However, Martin O’Neill could swoop for the former England striker to augment the summer signings of Steven Fletcher and Louis Saha.
Owen had been lined with Stoke for much of the summer, as well as Everton, West Ham and former club Liverpool, who are desperately short up front after loaning Andy Carroll to West Ham for the season.
The horse racing enthusiast has regularly stated his preference to stay in the Premier League, despite receiving offers from Europe and the Championship.
