Brown keen for Owen talks

Phil Brown has asked Michael Owen for the chance to sell him a move to Hull.

The Tigers boss is yet to contact the 29-year-old former England international - and his club was not among those sent a glossy brochure outlining his qualities. However, he is hoping to arrange face-to-face talks after Owen's Newcastle deal expires at midnight next Tuesday.

Brown told Sky Sports News: "He is still connected to a football club, we haven't been given permission by that football club to talk to him, so we will honour that. But he will be available from July 1 and hopefully Michael will give us the time of day and we can get around a table, then who knows?"

Brown confirmed his interest in Owen last week, and Stoke boss Tony Pulis too has admitted he would be interested in talking to the former Liverpool and Real Madrid frontman.

The player's recent injury history and wage demands are considerations both clubs would have to take into account, while there is also interest from foreign clubs with Turkish side Galatasaray having been strongly linked with him.

However, Brown insists his interest in taking Owen to the KC Stadium is genuine and would represent a coup both for him and his club.

He said: "There's no such thing as a free transfer. It is obviously a very attractive proposition with regard to Hull City.

"To bring, not a former international, a present international, an England international to the club would be a great achievement for myself personally, but for the football club.

"Yes, it is one we are interested in. It isn't a throw-away comment, it is a genuine interest.

"As a free transfer, that would be an interesting prospect for a number of clubs."