After dismissing the prospect of signing Michael Owen this summer, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan admitted he did once try for the Newcastle United striker.

Whelan wanted Owen four years ago when he was frozen out by Real Madrid. The striker joined the Toon instead for £16million.

He explained: "When I tried to sign him I wanted him to be available to play for England. It was the World Cup.

"I was thinking about Wigan to a degree but I wanted England to benefit from Michael Owen."