Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer fears Michael Owen will leave St James' Park in January.

Owen, who scored twice in Saturday's 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Stoke, is in the final season of his contract at St James' Park.

The £16million former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker will be free to talk to other clubs from next month.

Shearer told BBC Match of the Day: "His contract runs out at the end of the season and he can sign for someone in January, although he can't play for them.

"I think it's a scary thought to be honest, their best player in that precarious position."