Former England international Michael Owen has been lined up by Manchester United as a surprise transfer target after the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo and the decision of Carlos Tevez to leave the club.

United have refused to comment on the reports but it’s thought that a deal will be done provided Owen passes a medical later on Friday.

Owen’s deal with relegated Newcastle ran out in June, since when he’s been linked to the likes of Hull City, Stoke City and Everton.

The move by Sir Alex Ferguson will be viewed as a huge gamble, particularly as other Premier League managers have been put off signing Owen because of his recurring injury problems.

Meanwhile Chelsea have confirm that they have turned down a bid for John Terry from rival Premier League outfit Manchester City.

The England captain has been at the London club for his entire career, bar half a dozen games on loan at Nottingham Forest 9 years ago.

It’s not known how much City offered for the central defender but Chelsea say they have dismissed the bid out of hand.

A statement on the club web site said:

We would like to make clear, and will not do so again, that John is not for sale.

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