Michael Owen played a key role in persuading Alan Shearer to take the Newcastle United job.

The Guardian says although Newcastle's approach to Shearer has been a closely guarded secret it is understood that Owen had been told about it and even played his part in persuading his friend to accept the chance to take his first manager's job at the club he served with such distinction as a player for a decade after joining from Blackburn Rovers in 1996.

Owen has also spoken with Shearer about his contract situation.

"If Alan is going to be Newcastle's manager next season, that will change everything at the club," said a source close to Owen. "For Michael, Alan would be the ideal manager. He would galvanise the club and Michael would love to be a part of that. Newcastle have struggled for the last two seasons and that is a worry for a player like Michael who was used to playing regularly for England and in the Champions League when he signed for the club.

"Newcastle have offered him a contract but that was withdrawn at the start of the year when Michael said he wouldn't make a decision until the end of the season. But they have also said they will offer him a new one as soon as they are safe from relegation and Alan has made it clear that he sees Michael as being vital to his plans. There is a much better chance Michael will remain a Newcastle player because of Alan."