[richie_rich]

OWEN FOR OLD TRAFFORD?


Michael Owen has now been cut to evens to move to Manchester United this summer.

Sky Bet slashed Owen's odds of moving to Old Trafford to 7/4 from 20/1 on Thursday afternoon following sustained support for the England striker make the move.

And he was cut further on Thursday after more interest in the market.

Sky Bet's Mike Triffitt said: "With Real Madrid hoovering up several high profile targets, United are running out of options to fill the void left by the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez and Owen is a cheap option.

"We've had a steady stream of bets on free agent Owen joining United.

"A move to United should suit Owen, who wants to get back into the England squad and will feel he has a better chance with a higher profile club."

After Real Madrid seemingly beat United in the race to sign Karim Benzema on Wednesday, it seems as if Alex Ferguson's striking options are dwindling significantly.

Indeed, there was plenty of speculation in the Thursday papers that United might not sign a striker at all, and place faith in youngsters like Frederico Macheda and Danny Welbeck.

Given Owen's injury record and United's transfer kitty the move seems unlikely, but perhaps the punters know something we don't.