Kinnear 'optimistic' Owen will stay

Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear is growing more confident of persuading Michael Owen to sign a new contract after holding talks with the striker.

The Magpies presented the 29-year-old and his representatives with the new terms on Monday and then 61-year-old Kinnear sat down with the England international to talk over his plans.

Kinnear said: "I spent about an hour with him a couple of days ago. He's had what I consider a very good offer, length of period of time three years, which would bring Michael up to 32-plus. I am optimistic - I am more optimistic now having spent that time talking to him."

He added: "He's getting together with his agent in the next two or three days and coming back with an answer.

"Obviously, they'll still be negotiating one way or the other, but we'll certainly find out, I would think, in the next two or three days."

Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi and Steve Harper have also been offered new deals and Kinnear is hopeful they will sign within the next 24 hours.

He said: "We hope to sign Nicky and Shola is the same.

"Steve's agent is talking to (owner) Mike (Ashley), so I'm very confident they will all sign.

"Nicky is happy. He wants to finish his career here.

"There is only Michael, really. We are giving him an extra few days to sort things out, but I am getting more optimistic with Michael."