Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has turned down the chance to sign Newcastle United striker Michael Owen.

The Sun says Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce phoned his Manchester City counterpart to find out if he wanted the England ace but was told not to worry.

Eriksson had been considering a move for Owen but City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has put the block on any raid because of the striker's injury problems.

Allardyce clearly remains open to the idea of selling Owen, 28 today, if the price is right, especially with owner Mike Ashley not expected to release funds for a big spend next month.

But his striking options are thin as Oba Martins is set to miss six games because of the African Nations Cup and Mark Viduka is struggling with fitness.