Michael Owen could be available for a traditional ‘big-four’ Premiership club if the Newcastle United skipper is not tied down to a new contract by the end of the year, as he will be free to look for a new employer in January.

The current disorder following former manager Kevin Keegan’s departure from the St James’ Park has come as a shock obstacle in the 28-year-old’s aim of getting a new deal.

And with Owen also now out of England squad with Fabio Capello’s men winning the two World Cup 2010 qualifiers, the former Liverpool forward is keen to resurrect his career.

And who better than the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool – who are all involved in Europe’s premier club competition UEFA Champions League. With Owen’s quality and a cut-price value, any of the four could consider signing the former Real Madrid player, who however has a history of injury problems, if need be.

Currently, it does not look like Owen has a good deal on the offer at Newcastle, which is now up for sale and owner Mike Ashley desperately looking for a buyer.

Evening Chronicle has quoted a source close to the player, as saying: “Michael’s representatives would not let him sign any new deal in the present circumstances at St James’s Park.”