Manchester City are ready to pounce for unsettled Newcastle United striker Michael Owen.

The Mirror says Owen is just 73 days away from ending his three-year Newcastle nightmare.

Moneybags Manchester City lead the chase for his signature with Eastlands boss Mark Hughes already having the go ahead from board level to match the deposed England striker's £5million-plus wage demands.

Owen, who will be 29 in December, is ready to turn his back on St James' Park.

A source close to the player said: "Michael needs to kick start his career and win back his England place.

"The Newcastle move never really worked out."