The NOTW:
Manchester United are ready to make a sensational summer move for Michael Owen.
Sir Alex Ferguson has focused his search for a striker on Newcastle's 27-year-old England star, who has a £12million release clause in his contract.
Owen has been out with a serious knee injury since last summer's World Cup finals but scored in a friendly game against Gretna last week.
He has been pleading with Toon boss Glenn Roeder for a chance in the first-team and could make his comeback against Chelsea next week.
Ferguson will only launch a bid if he is fully satisfied Owen has recovered from the knee operation.
A well-placed United source told us: "It is no secret that Sir Alex wants another striker and he is bound to be attracted by someone of Owen's pedigree at such a competitive price. Naturally we would have to be certain he has recovered from his injury and that is why his return will be closely monitored.
"Ideally we want to see him in action for several games between now and the end of the season."
The People:
Michael Owen has emerged as a sensational summer target for Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Manchester United manager wants to add a world-class striker to his squad and will monitor the Newcastle and England star's comeback from injury over the closing weeks of the season.
And if he is convinced Owen can get back to his best, Ferguson will make a move. An Owen swoop would spark outrage on Tyneside.
He is widely expected to complete the signings of Owen Hargreaves and Gareth Bale but he also wants a natural goalscorer - and Owen fits the bill perfectly.
Fergie has been tempted to move for Owen on previous occasions but the timing has been wrong.
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