KK: We need to do Owen deal

Keegan: Hopeful over Owen

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan admits the club need to have Michael Owen signed to a new deal before January.

"I think if it gets to January then the chances are Michael won't be signing but I don't think it will go to January."
Kevin Keegan Quotes of the week

Keegan admits he is a bit 'out of the loop' under Newcastle's new European style regime which sees executive director Dennis Wise and vice-president Tony Jimenez handling transfers and player contracts.

Keegan though is due to meet with Wise, Jimenez, managing director Derek Llambias and owner Mike Ashley on Wednesday to discuss the contract situations of Owen and number of other players, including James Milner and Steve Harper.

"There's been no progress on James Milner's situation yet but we're having a meeting on Wednesday about a lot of things and it will be discussed," said Keegan.

"I would have thought we'll also discuss Michael and Stevie Harper too. But I can't see any reason why we can't secure all three players.

"I'll know where everything is when I sit down with them on Wednesday.

"I'm not completely in the loop but I know a lot of what has gone and I know that, after Wednesday, we'll have a better idea of where we are.

"I've not been party to all these [contract] talks but, although I've not been in the room when they've been going on, I've been kept informed."

Keegan, though, conceded Owen's deal needed to be done sooner rather than later.

"I think if it gets to January then the chances are Michael won't be signing but I don't think it will go to January," said Keegan - who called on Owen to be back in the England reckoning ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers.

"I still think Michael's this country's premier striker," he said.

"In my opinion Michael is the best at what he does in his position and I think Michael knows he's the best.

"It's up to Fabio Capello but, if Michael's fit to play for Newcastle, he'll be fit to play for England. We won't be pulling him out of the national squad."