Magpies keen on new Owen deal

The England striker has persistently been linked with a move away from St James' Park since becoming United's record signing in the summer of 2005.

But chairman Chris Mort said: "I think all the players are enjoying playing under Kevin - you can see that in the way they play. I would imagine Michael was in that camp as well."

The 28-year-old's current deal expires next summer and the club are determined to avoid the £17million man walking away as a free agent.

"He seems to be enjoying his game," Mort added. "He has got his contract this year and next year but it obviously makes sense to sit down with Michael and secure him for the long term if we can.

"I know that Kevin is very fond of Michael so I would hope that we could sit down and do something."

Owen is enjoying arguably the best spell of his injury-blighted Newcastle career, having scored in his last four Barclays Premier League outings.

Doubts over his future resurfaced when the club failed to win any of Keegan's first nine games in charge but with the spectre of relegation now well and truly banished, there is more optimism he may elect to stay on.

"We've had people looking at players throughout Europe in recent months and there will certainly be players in," Mort said.

"We've got a good-quality set of players already but we'll look to add to that in the summer."