Daring bid to lure Owen to Japan

Updated 13.43 Tue May 13 2008

Keywords: JEF United Chiba, michael Owen

Japan's JEF United Chiba are planning an audacious swoop for England striker Michael Owen.

The J-League club have just unveiled former Liverpool first-team coach Alex Miller as their new manager and believe Owen can solve the team's current goal-scoring problems.

Reports suggest Chiba officials were preparing an initial approach and that contact had been made with Owen's agent Tony Stephens

Reports in Japan suggest Chiba officials are preparing an initial approach and that contact had been made with Owen's agent Tony Stephens.

Owen has yet to agree a new contract with Newcastle United and the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Manchester United.

Chiba's Kentaro Shiga said: "The reports are not 100 per cent off the mark. Owen's name was one of those being talked about when the team were looking at possible targets."

Struggling Chiba are rooted to the bottom of the J-League first division, only winning their first game in 12 matches this season at the weekend with Miller watching from the stands.