MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to make a sensational summer move for Michael Owen.

Sir Alex Ferguson has focused his search for a striker on Newcastle’s 27-year-old England star, who has a £12million release clause in his contract.
Owen has been out with a serious knee injury since last summer’s World Cup finals but scored in a friendly game against Gretna last week.
He has been pleading with Toon boss Glenn Roeder for a chance in the first-team and could make his comeback against Chelsea next week.
Ferguson will only launch a bid if he is fully satisfied Owen has recovered from the knee operation.
A well-placed United source told us: “It is no secret that Sir Alex wants another striker and he is bound to be attracted by someone of Owen’s pedigree at such a competitive price. Naturally we would have to be certain he has recovered from his injury and that is why his return will be closely monitored.
“Ideally we want to see him in action for several games between now and the end of the season.”
United’s interest is certain to appeal to Owen, even though he still feels a debt to Newcastle after they paid £16m to sign him from Real Madrid nearly two years ago.
Owen still has his main home in the north-west, near Chester, even though he has a property in the north-east.
He is itching to get back into Premiership action and has also earmarked England’s Euro Championship qualifier against Estonia in June for his international return.