Has Kinnear 'Called Time' On Owen?
Last updated : 08 December 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Allegedly, Kinnear has conceded defeat in his attempt to persuade Michael Owen to sign a new deal at the club.
But we should ask the question: "Does Owen want to go, or is Ashley happy to push the big-earners out of the door?"
Owen, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi, Steve Harper, Mark Viduka and David Edgar are all able to talk to other clubs next month ahead of a potentially lucrative Bosman-style free transfer at the end of the season.
Ashley wants the most money he can get for the club ... with the least possible outlay, so don't hold your breath for these two £6m players, come January.
What Ashley SAYS ... and Ashley DOES ... don't often appear in the same sentance.
Kinnear: "I've not really had a chance to talk to the players about their contracts and I don't know what is going to happen.
"The players who are out of contract, I have spoken to a few of their agents. They are holding back as well.
"They are waiting to see what their options are in January and who comes in for them. They will make a decision then.
"I'm speaking to Shola's agent on Monday so we will see what happens there, but there isn't much I can do if the players have decided they want to see what else is there for them in January.
"I just hope I can get the players in I want because if we can get them we'll be smoking.
"I have had a positive meeting with him. I put the case for bringing players in and we are talking to some players and their agents and clubs. We have to be ready when the window opens. I would like two to three players.
"I have given them the prices. I told them two players who cost six million each, which is £12m. He said fine, leave it with me. I will come back to you.
"There are players available who will help us and we will have to wait and see because I don't want to say much more.
"Mike was fine with it. We have got one who is 'umming and aah-ing, but we are still banging on the door and he is still a player we have identified.
"Instead of cash the club decided they'd come in for one of our players in an exchange. That would leave us stronger in one area and weaker in another.
"It would be straight swap. I am not sure we would benefit from losing another player."
