UAE side snub former Manchester United striker Michael Owen

Michael Owen is a free agent (GETTY IMAGES)

UAE side Al-Shabab have dismissed claims that they are pursuing Michael Owen, saying that the striker is “on the downhill”.

The 32-year-old was released by Manchester United this month and it was believed his agent was engaged in talks concerning a move to Al-Shabab.

However, club vice-president Khalid Bu Humaid has revealed that although “general talks” took place the UAE outfit had no interest in signing the former England international.

"There have been some talks and his agent is coming to Shabab Club tonight but there is nothing to confirm with regard to him signing or not," Bu Humaid told Gulf News on Tuesday.

"This is a general talk with no obligations. When someone calls us we listen to what they have to say and see what they have to offer.

"But this part of the world is not the market for Michael Owen anymore."

Owen made just one Premier League appearance for Manchester United last season, coming on as a substitute, and Bu Hamaid cited this lack of game time as the main reason his club were not interested.

"Michael Owen is on the downhill right now. He's not one of our options. He's 32 and he only played a handful of matches last season.

"We'll listen to what his agent has to say and report that back to the coach (Marcos Paqueta), who is currently in Brazil."