Who will gamble on Michael Owen?

In twelve days from now, Michael Owen could well find himself a footballer without a club. That’s when his contract with Newcastle United expires, and it’s unlikely the newly-relegated side will have the funds to offer the kind of wages he’s looking for.

Ever since Owen swapped Merseyside for Madrid, it’s been a stunning fall from grace – “fall” being the operative word here. The man has an uncanny ability to get seriously injured when no one is within 10 yards of him.

Quite a talent! But people still get nostalgic for the Michael Owen of old. You remember him. The lethal poacher. The crafty speedster. And who could forget that mazy dribble which sliced up the Argentine defense like a scythe in World Cup ’98.

It’s well known that the former Ballon d’Or winner is quite partial to the horses. But the important question is, which club is now willing to take a gamble on him? Wigan recently ruled themselves out of the running. Villa, Tottenham, and Everton have all been considered possible destinations. Even Fiorentina has been rumored to be interested. But as the June 30^th deadline draws nearer and a deal remains to be done, the Owen camp has gotten desperate enough to produce a 34-page marketing brochure touting the player’s qualities (“good looking” and “charismatic.”)