Manchester United are keeping tabs on Michael Owen's contract talks with Newcastle United.
They were told that Owen's new offer, in line with an across-the-board reduction in player salaries, would be around £80,000-a-week.
To help offset the cut in pay, Owen will be offered potential bonuses to bring his new package closer to his current deal.
If Owen turns down Newcastle's offer, he will be allowed to leave for around £5m, with Manchester United monitoring the situation.