Michael Owen For The Latics? Not After This

Some media sources had suggested that Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan would be interested in bringing former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen to the Latics and end his nightmare spell at Newcastle United, well Whelan has dismissed that idea and in some style.

The Latics owner, who tried to sign Owen 4 years ago, questions the former Real Madrid man`s bottle, he told reporters:'Would we be interested in him? No. Firstly, his wages are too expensive. Then has he got the urge, the bottle and drive to do what the Premier League wants you to do? It's a big question.'

Owen will be available on a free transfer at the end of the month and it`s been suggested that his management team have contacted several clubs in the Premier League in an effort to get him signed up as soon as possible, but as Whelan says Owens wages, reputedly £100,000 per week would be a stumbling block for most clubs and certainly the Latics and also his fitness is a worry, Whelan continued:

'He has been a great player. But he's looking a bit injury-prone. That's only my opinion. Everton and Liverpool might think differently.

'For us to pay someone over £25,000 a week is a hell of a lot. His wages will have to come down.

'I'm not criticising the lad. He has been a magnificent player and can still do a hell of a job for somebody.

'Anyway, I would think he will want to go to a much bigger club than Wigan.'

When the Latics did try to sign Owen, Whelan says it was as much to help England as the Latics, he finished off with: 'When I tried to sign him I wanted him to be available to play for England. It was the World Cup.

'I was thinking about Wigan to a degree but I wanted England to benefit from Michael Owen.'

Well that knocks that rumour on the head.


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