Former England star set to become available on a free transfer.
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Stoke have decided not to offer Michael Owen a new deal according to The Daily Mail.
The former England star has failed to start a Premier League game since arriving at The Potteries last summer and it seems the Stoke hierarchy are ready to call time on his association with the club.
Owen’s fate was reportedly decided at a meeting of club officials on Thursday where it was decided the club needed to go in a different direction.
Stoke are keen to reduce their wage bill and are set to target young players and foreign signings rather than established, but expensive, Premier League stars.
It is a massive fall from grace for the player who in his day terrorised defence for the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Should Owen decide to continue playing, he is likely to find his options limited. Big money offers are likely to come in from the MLS in America as well as the Middle East. That seems unlikely however as it is thought Owen is keen to pursue his roles in the media and as a racehorse owner.
Owen has previously said he would be unwilling to drop down the leagues so should an offer from the Premier League not be forthcoming, the player may well decide to call time on his career.