Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is confident Michael Owen will start the season at St James' Park.

Manchester United, Liverpool and, more recently, Arsenal and even Manchester City have been linked with a move for the United striker.

But after meeting with Owen on more than one occasion, Allardyce is confident the England poacher will be back in action for Newcastle at the start of the new campaign.

When asked if the £17m star would be at St James' Park, Allardyce told the Evening Chronicle: "100% yes."