Wigan Athletic ... Bless Their Cotton Socks

Although the striker said there was only two "realistic clubs" he would join, Owen showed respect to the minnows and spoke to The Latics before opting to return to The Premiership with Newcastle United.

Though Owen snubbed the chance to move to The JJB Stadium, he called Whelan to offer his gratitude for Wigan's interest. We've seen this sort of thing ourselves at Newcastle over the years, supposedly trying to sign a player we knew full well we couldn't afford. But Whelan was delighted to be able to speak to the former Liverpool ace and insists the plan to sign Owen was not merely a publicity stunt.

"Michael rang to say thanks for trying to sign him," said Whelan. "He joined Newcastle but we did everything in our power to try to bring him to The JJB Stadium.

"Ringing up was a wonderful gesture. He made time to speak to me once he made it clear he was going to Tyneside. Our move was not a publicity stunt. I was even prepared to put a clause in that would allow him to move at Christmas."