Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan remains optimistic Michael Owen will sign a new deal at St James' Park as the pair prepare for talks this week.
The England striker will be out of contract next summer and could talk to other clubs if nothing is agreed before then.
"We are having a meeting next Wednesday about a lot of things and contracts will be one of the things discussed," Magpies manager Keegan said.
"There are other players to discuss as well. I'm fairly relaxed about it, but I will know more when we sit down.
"These things happen. The main thing at the end of the day is that it will be sorted.
"I think I can honestly say that, if it comes to January, then the chances are he won't be [staying], but I don't think it will get there."


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Manchester United have asked about Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure amid growing concerns over the fitness of Owen Hargreaves.
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Your Comments
homerjay540 (Manchester United fan)
"sell owen, smith, ameobi, viduka (all on too high wages). offer martins a new contract (if he hasn't signed one lately) and use the money from the above transfers to sign a quality partner for martins (somebody a bit taller than saviola though) "
SuperJonas (Newcastle United fan)
"Either get him on a new contract or sell him ASAP and get in someone that wants to be here for the long run."
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