Frontman ends speculation over future by arriving at Britannia.
By Rachel Griffiths
Michael Owen: Former Manchester United striker has joined Stoke on one-year deal.
Stoke have signed former England striker Michael Owen on a one-year deal subject to Premier League Board approval, the club have announced.
Owen joins the Potters as a free agent following his release by Manchester United at the end of last season.
The club announced the deal on their official Twitter account on Tuesday evening, saying they were “delighted” to confirm the arrival of the striker.
Owen had been on the hunt for a new club for much of the summer, prompting speculation over where he would be plying his trade this season.
He admitted that he had been targeted by clubs on the continent, but has always been keen to remain in the Premier League.
Boost
The 32-year-old had been linked with a return to his boyhood club Liverpool as well as Sunderland, but dismissed speculation he could join the Reds’ local rivals Everton.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has now won the race for his signature, providing a significant boost to his attacking options.
Ex-England international Owen, who earned 89 caps for his country, scoring 40 goals, began his career with Liverpool’s youth academy and went on to spend eight years with the senior side.
He joined Real Madrid for the 2004-05 season before returning to England with Newcastle, where he spent four years before departing following their relegation from the Premier League in 2009.
United signed him on a free transfer but Owen struggled for game time at Old Trafford, making just 31 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side during his three seasons there.
