Sven-Goran Eriksson has been blocked from making a transfer window bid for Newcastle United striker Michael Owen.
Eriksson had been keen to take his former England charge to Manchester City, but owner Thaksin Shinawatra has put the brakes on a move for the 27-year-old.
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Latest Premier League video highlights.Amid continuing speculation over a bid for Owen, the Echo can reveal Sam Allardyce recently contacted Eriksson.
And Allardyce was told by Eriksson there would be no move for Owen in next month's transfer window, with sources in the north west insisting Shinawatra is concerned about the ongoing injury problems which have limited the luckless striker to just eight starts this season.
However, Eriksson could be back at the end of the campaign, when the £16m man will have just a year left on his St James's Park contract.
Allardyce, at least, can now plan for the rest of the season in the knowledge that Owen's most likely suitor will not come knocking on his door in the transfer window.
