Manchester City, the richest football club in the world, are to break into the transfer market once again in January, to snap up the Newcastle United striker Michael Owen.
Owen has become disillusioned with life on Tyneside, and the recent shenanigans at St James' Park, with the resignation of Kevin Keegan and subsequent protests from fans over owner Mike Ashley, have been the deciding factors for the England star.
Born in Cheshire, Owen would welcome a move back to the Northwest, and would be another jewel to City's growing diamond-encrusted squad that has taken shape since the Arab takeover at Middle Eastlands.
Newcastle owner Ashley is also thought to be keen on selling Owen in a bid to strip the Geordie club of its assets, after his rough treatment at the hands of fans on Tyneside.
The price isn't yet known, but to the Arab owners, this won't matter in the slightest.
The player was unavailable for comment, but is thought to be secretly pleased with this totally made-up rumour.
