Allardyce avoids Owen bid

Updated 15.55 Thu Dec 13 2007

Keywords: sam allardyce, newcastle united, michael owen, premier league, sport, football

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is not expecting a bid from Manchester City for Michael Owen during the transfer window.

It is understood Allardyce has been in touch with Sven-Goran Eriksson to check on his intentions and has been told Owen's injury problems have put Manchester City off.

Owen is expected to return to action next week

However, Owen is expected to return to action next week after a thigh problem.

With Nigeria international Obafemi Martins due to head off on African Nations Cup duty for up to six weeks in the new year, Newcastle will be keen to keep Owen.

Meanwhile, Allardyce is hoping to strngthen the squad in January.

He said: "We are constantly monitoring the situation. Our scouts are out 24/7 and we will just have to see how we go.

"They are under instructions to find us quality players but to tell the truth at this moment in time, there are not that many of them out there."