Michael Owen is unlikely to move to UAE side Al Shabab, according to the Middle East club's vice-president, hours after the team's representatives reportedly said they were in talks with the former Manchester United striker.
Owen ended his injury-plagued stint at Manchester United when the Red Devils released him this summer. The 32-year-old has found it hard to consistently play games for a club for a while now, with injuries constantly stalling any progress made by the former England international.
However, that has not stopped the likes of Stoke City, which had made their intentions clear about signing the former Real Madrid player and seemed to be in the driver's seat to capture Owen's signature. Boyhood club Everton are also reportedly interested in bringing the striker back to Merseyside, where he made his name with Liverpool.
It was understood, Al Shabab had stepped up their interest, but vice-president Khalid Bu Humaid said it was nothing serious and the Mamza outfit had not interest in signing the forward.
"There have been some talks and his agent is coming to Shabab Club tonight but there is nothing to confirm with regard to him signing or not," Bu Humaid told Gulf News on Tuesday.
"This is a general talk with no obligations. When someone calls us we listen to what they have to say and see what they have to offer.
"But this part of the world is not the market for Michael Owen anymore.
"Michael Owen is on the downhill right now. He's not one of our options. He's 32 and he only played a handful of matches last season.
"We'll listen to what his agent has to say and report that back to the coach (Marcos Paqueta), who is currently in Brazil.
Strangely earlier on Tuesday, Al Shabab said they hoped to conclude Owen's signing soon. "Michael Owen has been identified as a candidate to play for Shabab next season and we are in negotiations with his management team," Al Shabab announced via Twitter.
"The player's agent is in Dubai to close the deal."
A spokesman for Al Shabab, who qualified for the AFC Champions League for next season, confirmed that talks were indeed taking place, but a deal had not been agreed to as yet.
"We are in talks with the player and his agent, but no agreement has yet been reached between the parties," the spokesman said.
"Things should become clear soon."
