Speculation linking Michael Owen with a shock move to Real Madrid dominates today’s back pages.

It is claimed that Real approached representatives of the England striker at the weekend, prompting Liverpool chiefs to demand an answer from him over his on-going contract talks in the next 48 hours.

Estimates over the fee Real are prepared to pay for Owen range from £10million to £25million. Samuel Eto’o or Fernando Morientes could be offered as a make-weight in the deal.

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It is widely reported that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s career could be over after being ruled-out for the season following a recurrence of a knee injury.

A specialist diagnosed further surgery is required on the right knee that has kept the Manchester United striker out of action for the best part of a year.

There are now real fears over the Norwegian‘s future. "I am aware I might never play again," said Solskjaer. (The Sun)

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Aston Villa last night made a £6million bid for England striker James Beattie, claim the Sun and Mail.

The Southampton star has apparently been unsettled by transfer talk over the summer linking him with Newcastle.

But now Villa boss David O’Leary has made his move and Beattie could even face the Saints in Saturday’s Premiership opener.

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Charlton hope to win the race for Liverpool’s Danny Murphy by offering him better wages and linking him with Arsenal’s Francis Jeffers, report the Daily Mirror.

Murphy’s proposed move to Spurs fell through last night after he met White Hart Lane officials, but Charlton have stepped in and plan to snap up the former England midfielder.

The move for Murphy comes with Jeffers on the brink of ending his Arsenal misery.

Charlton are reportedly willing to take him on loan with a view to a £2million deal.

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Stephen Carr has joined Newcastle United in a £2million switch from Tottenham.

The Republic of Ireland defender had only a year left on his contract and could not agree terms for a new deal at White Hart Lane.

Spurs sporting director Frank Arnesen admitted they did not want to lose Carr. He added: "I’ll be sorry to see him go and wish him well." (The Sun)