by Toffeehater » Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:40 am
CHELSEA are weighing up a shock move for Michael Owen in January.
Boss Phil Scolari has been told budget cuts mean he has around £10million to spend on new players.
The Blues value 28-year-old Owen — who is out of contract next summer — at between £3m-5m.
Scolari is keen to recruit a top-class striker to cover for Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.
His first choice was Brazil striker Luis Fabiano but Seville’s price tag of £25m has made that move impossible.
There is concern at Stamford Bridge about Owen’s injury record but they will monitor his fitness and form in the coming weeks before deciding on an offer.
Owen, who earns £108,000 a week at St James’ Park, is unlikely to be offered a similar salary at Chelsea.
Financial restructuring and worries over the number of matches he has played mean a smaller deal will be offered.
A weekly wage of £60,000 could then be topped up by a playing bonus to £100,000.
Chelsea may face competition from Spurs, though, who are also on the look-out for a striker.
Boss Harry Redknapp knows a move for Owen would be cheaper than signing Jermaine Defoe, who is valued at £12m by Portsmouth.
Owen, fit again after a groin injury, believes Newcastle will continue to head up the table.
He said: “We know we’re a decent team. If we have a good run, fifth, sixth or seventh place is not impossible
