OWEN FACES CRUNCH TALKS

MICHAEL OWEN will be involved in crunch talks with Newcastle this week as his future hangs in the balance.

Negotiations over the striker’s contract have been dragging on since May and the two sides are still struggling to reach a settlement.

A source close to the talks said: “We are getting towards the business end of things now.

“It has gone on for so long without any real progress being made and it can’t continue too much longer.”

Reports that Newcastle are offering the England international a £140,000-a-week deal are grossly inaccurate.

WHAT A HEADACHE - Kevin Keegan

In fact, the club are adamant he must take a CUT in his current £120,000-a-week wages.

But while Owen is keen to continue his career at St James’ Park, particularly under Kevin Keegan, he is not prepared to lower his income significantly.

And failure to strike a deal could prove costly for the club.

With Owen’s current contract due to expire at the end of the season, Newcastle fear they could lose their star man on a free transfer next summer.

Unless a new agreement is reached Owen will be free to talk to any clubs on January 1 — and that could trigger a rush of interest from Premier League rivals.

The only alternative would be for the Geordies to sell Owen for a knockdown fee of around £5million before next weekend’s transfer deadline.

So far, though, there has been no interest from would-be buyers.

Meanwhile Toon boss Keegan will make a personal plea to the FA in a bid to spare Joey Barton from a career-wrecking 15-game ban.

Soho Square chiefs are ready to throw the book at the shamed Newcastle star for his attack on former Manchester City team- mate Ousmane Dabo. Jailbird Barton faces a disciplinary hearing next week after admitting charges of violent conduct.

Assault

He could be suspended until Christmas for the training-ground assault that almost blinded Dabo in May last year.

Angry Newcastle fans demanded the £60,000- a-week midfielder should be sacked after his early release from prison in July following another assault.

But Keegan has backed Barton 100 per cent, insisting the 25-year-old should be given one last chance to rebuild his career.

The manager says he is ready to argue the player’s case to the FA, even if it means facing a backlash from the Toon Army.

Keegan said: “If required I will appear in person on his behalf.I did it in court so why am I not going to do it at the FA?

“If you support someone then you support them and if you believe someone’s turned the corner then what’s wrong with saying it?"