Michael Owen's three year's at Newcastle are almost up with Man City set to buy him up

MICHAEL Owen is just 73 days away from ending his three-year Newcastle nightmare.

Moneybags Manchester City lead the chase for his signature with Eastlands boss Mark Hughes already having the go ahead from board level to match the deposed England striker's £5million-plus wage demands.

Owen, who will be 29 in December, is ready to turn his back on St James' Park.

A source close to the player said: "Michael needs to kick start his career and win back his England place.

"The Newcastle move never really worked out."