Football Betting: Owen to join City?

Manchester City favourites to sign Owen with gambling firms.

Sports betting firms have made Manchester City favourites to be Michael Owen's next club following reports that the striker is set to leave Newcastle United.

Owen is now not expected to depart St James' Park during the January transfer window, but his decision to reject a new three-year contract has led to claims that he will seek a new club in the summer.

William Hill makes City favourites to secure the 29-year-old's services at 5/4, with the north-west outfit expected to acquire a number of big-name players before the 2009-10 season gets underway.

The bookmaker also offers 4/1 on Owen still being at Newcastle on the first day of the new campaign, while Liverpool are an 11/2 to sign their former player in the summer.

Owen said in a statement released on Monday (December 22nd): "I am committed to the club until at least the end of this season and I have informed them I do not want to make a decision about my future until that time."

Punters can also get 10/1 on Manchester United signing the former Real Madrid man at William Hill, with Arsenal priced at 12/1.

Newcastle's next fixture is a trip to Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day.