Owen committed to Newcastle cause

Striker Michael Owen insists he is not eyeing a move away from Newcastle.

The 27-year-old England international admitted to a release clause in his contract, believed to be about �11m, but has no intention of exercising it.

He told the News of the World: "There was a release clause that no one was supposed to be privy to, but if people go and mention that I can't help it.

"Since I've been at Newcastle, people have been thinking I'll leave. A lot think there's an agenda - there's not."

Owen has struggled for fitness ever since he joined the Magpies from Real Madrid in August 2005 and he has made just 15 appearances.

And he is now competing for a starting berth alongside manager Sam Allardyce's summer recruits Mark Viduka and Alan Smith, as well as Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi.

However, he has scored seven goals in that time and is hoping to have a long run in the team after coming back from a thigh injury in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa.

He added: "I've only been at Newcastle two years and the speculation's been unbelievable.

"At the end of every season, people were asking 'Is Michael Owen going to stay or not?'

"I live up there and and my kids have been to school up there for two years. There is this perception that I divide my life between living in the north west and Newcastle.

"Well, I'm up there Monday through until Saturday. If we get a Sunday off, I'll sometimes fly out after the game and spend the day with my parents and family.

"Then I'll fly back up on Monday and spend the rest of the week there. Even my team-mates say 'Are you up here today?' and I say 'Yes, like I am every day'."

Source: BBC Sport