No UAE move for Owen

Michael Owen: Stock has fallen due to injuries and is not in-demand in UAE

UAE's Al Shabab have rubbished reports they intend to sign Michael Owen, claiming the forward is "on the downhill".

The former England international was released by Manchester United this month and his agent had reportedly set up a meeting with Al Shabab's officials to discuss a potential move.

However, club vice-president Khalid Bu Humaid revealed that it was just a "general talk" and the Mamza outfit had no interest in signing Owen.

"There have been some talks and his agent is coming to Shabab Club tonight but there is nothing to confirm with regard to him signing or not," Bu Humaid told Gulf News on Tuesday.

"This is a general talk with no obligations. When someone calls us we listen to what they have to say and see what they have to offer.

"But this part of the world is not the market for Michael Owen anymore.

"Michael Owen is on the downhill right now. He's not one of our options. He's 32 and he only played a handful of matches last season.

"We'll listen to what his agent has to say and report that back to the coach (Marcos Paqueta), who is currently in Brazil."

Owen made just one Premier League appearance, as a substitute, for Manchester United last season.