Alan Shearer has insisted Michael Owen never wanted to leave Newcastle amid speculation over his future this summer.

The former Magpies skipper was instrumental in persuading the 27-year-old England striker to make his £17million move to Tyneside two years ago, and has looked on with great sympathy as injuries have wrecked his career in the north-east to date.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek show: "I know Sam was delighted that no-one came in for him, all the fans were delighted and I know Michael did not want to leave Newcastle.

"He wanted to prove a point. He hasn't played as many games as he would have liked to up there, he hasn't scored as many goals as he wants to, so I think he wants to stay and do that for Newcastle United."