Michael Owen in Glory's sights
Perth Glory are in talks with the management of Michael Owen about bringing the former England striker to Australia.
Owen, 33, made a name for himself at some of the world’s biggest clubs, spending nearly a decade at Liverpool before having stints at Real Madrid and Manchester United.
He is currently on the books at Stoke City, but has made just four appearances as a substitute for the English Premier League club this season.
However, he is set for a rare appearance this weekend when Stoke play Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
Owen, who has played just 54 minutes in the past six months after an injury-ravaged two years at Old Trafford, caused a stir earlier this week when he posted a picture of his trophy cabinet on twitter in response to abuse from followers over his lack of action.
Glory, who had Owen's former Liverpool strike partner Robbie Fowler for the 2010-11 season, have one spare position in the squad for an international player after releasing Irish striker Billy Mehmet this week and do not currently have an international marquee player.
If Owen was recruited as a marquee player, his wages would not be included in the salary cap.
A Glory spokesman confirmed the club was interested in securing Owen’s services, but said negotiations were in their infancy.
“Michael Owen’s agent has inquired about Michael playing in the A-League,” the spokesman said.
“Perth Glory are interested but are yet to find out Michael’s terms and conditions.
“Until these are known, Perth Glory will not enter any further negotiations.”
Mehmet, frustrated by a lack of opportunity in Perth, will link up with Thai Premier League club Bangkok Glass FC next week after Glory agreed to release him today.
The English-born Ireland Under-21 international scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for Glory but often played second fiddle to marquee man Shane Smeltz.
