Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce admits he wants Michael Owen to prove his fitness before opening talks over a new contract extension.
"Whether that means we lose him at the end of the day or not is non-negotiable because if it happens, it happens, but we want to see him fit, playing and scoring on a regular basis. It's clear before I got here in the summer that the clause of £9m was made public, but it never happened and now it's about keeping Michael fit for what's going to be a really tough December for us.
"(If) Michael (is) fit and scoring goals every week, all managers would want him in their side. If they can come up with the money, a player like Michael Owen commands you'd move for him, if he's available."