Owen will not retire insist management company

Michael Owen's management company have refuted reports that the Newcastle striker will retire at the end of the season.

Reports this morning in The Express suggest that the former England striker will become a full-time racehorse trainer and owner at the end of this season, when his contract expires at Newcastle.

Pre-empting the reports, Owen's management company released a statement last night.

"Any suggestion or unfounded speculation that Michael Owen has any intention of quitting football is totally untrue and wrong," read the statement from Wasserman Media Group.

Owen will be a free agent in the summer when his Newcastle contract expires and is yet to find a new club.

It was announced today that Owen, who completely refutes the claims, is pursuing legal action against the Express.