England striker Michael Owen yesterday agreed to join Newcastle from Real Madrid on a four-year contract.
Owen discussed a return to Liverpool, his preferred destination, before agreeing to join his former club's Premier League rival.
Newcastle said the 25-year-old Owen would have a medical exam Tuesday.
The club did not reveal the transfer fee, but said it beat the club-record ?15 million (US$26.8 million) it paid for Alan Shearer in 1996.
British news reports said the fee was ?17 million and that Owen was forced to join the Magpies because Liverpool was unwilling to match it.
That left Owen with the choice of staying as Madrid's fifth-choice striker or joining Newcastle, a club struggling in the Premier League and not qualified for European competition.
Owen wanted to leave Madrid because he needs match practice in the buildup to next year's World Cup. He scored 16 goals last season after joining from Liverpool a year ago, but failed to get a regular first-team place.
If Owen passes his medical, he'll wear the No. 10 shirt and play alongside former England teammate Shearer, whom he partnered at the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship.
"Bringing Michael to St. James' Park will rank alongside the signing of Alan Shearer as my proudest moment at Newcastle United," Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said.
"Newcastle fans love center-forwards and Michael is a fantastic goalscorer. He's someone we would love to build the team around and we hope he can help us bring success to the club."
Newcastle is next to last after four Premier League games and is the only team yet to score. Owen's arrival should help -- he scored 158 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool, his first club.
Owen scored more goals against Newcastle than any other team, but never played under current Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who sold him for ?8 million shortly after taking over.
Although he's a regular for England -- playing at the two most recent World Cups and European Championships -- Owen wasn't even a substitute for Madrid's season opener against Cadiz on Sunday. It was the first time he had been omitted, other than because of injury, since he joined.
Madrid started with Raul Gonzalez and Ronaldo up front, and can also call upon Brazil forwards Julio Baptista and Robinho, whom it signed in the offseason.
Madrid may use the proceeds from the sale to fund a bid for Sevilla's 19-year-old rightback Sergio Ramos, Spanish media reported in recent days.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely