Yesterday Given jumped in before the proposed meeting of the "Big Powers" - Ashley and Kevin Keegan - to add weight to the debate.
Owen is in the final year of his current deal at St James' Park and has yet to agree on an extension with the Magpies.
Given: "It is between Michael and Newcastle Utd, but in an ideal world we would all like his contract sorted out sooner rather than later.
"At the same time though, he has got the rest of the season with his current contract.
"He has got a presence about him.
"Michael is a world renowned centre-forward and a world renowned goalscorer. When he leads us out, it sends a message to other teams.
"It tells them that we have some real quality in our side. He is the most world renowned player we have at the club."