Michael Owen will have his basic pay CUT by £25,000-a-week in a Newcastle deal - even though they want him to stay. The striker will have to play to get paid big money as part of a three-year offer being tabled this week.
The England striker will have his basic wage of £105,000 a week cut to around £80,000 as owner Mike Ashley looks to get top value out of the marksman.
Owen has made just 51 starts since signing for £17 million in August 2005 because of injury and his new deal is heavily incentivised to protect Newcastle from further injury setbacks.
The 29-year-old will have stay fit and earn bonuses through appearances, with an 80 per cent target set, plus goals targets and extras or Newcastle putting together a successful season including chasing trophies.
Newcastle have indicated that a “very good offer” is on the way to Owen which could be discussed with boss Joe Kinnear today.
Owen is likely to hold back and see if any of the big four – or even Spurs, Everton and Manchester City - come through with offers next month when he is free to talk about a free transfer.
