MICHAEL OWEN WILL attempt to eclipse Alan Shearer in England’s goalscoring charts this week and, if Graeme Souness has his way, a similar pattern would follow for Newcastle United. Owen is emerging as this summer’s leading transfer target within St James’ Park, where England play Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

As things stand, the forward does not favour a move to Tyneside, yet his future remains an issue. While Owen scored his 29th international goal against Northern Ireland — one short of Shearer, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney — his impact was restricted. Is his lack of involvement with Real Madrid affecting his sharpness?

Owen pointed out that he has played “over 40 games for England and Madrid and over half of them have been starts”, but he does not resemble a striker at the peak of his powers. He conceded that “fitness and form” would dictate whether he overhauls Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 goals for his country and, at present, he is brimming with neither.

The 25-year-old has started each of England’s past 14 fixtures, but this season’s three goals have come against Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland. His game depends on bursts of pace, which is not a quality promoted by extended spells on the substitutes’ bench and even though he has scored regularly at Real, Raúl and Ronaldo have not been displaced.

Owen has not, he insisted, “been sitting there dormant”, but he admitted that his position in Spain is “sort of difficult” and there remains a feeling that his career is approaching another crossroads. “Obviously, if I don’t play well then it’s because I’m rusty,” he said. “We know how it works.” It is a vicious circle.

Owen’s goal at Old Trafford was straightforward, yet he fluffed an earlier opportunity when played in by Frank Lampard. “That was an easier chance, so I was disappointed,” Owen said. On that occasion, Maik Taylor made a fine save, but an in-form Owen would not have allowed him the luxury.

Decisions beckon and there was a warning yesterday from Raúl that Real would not persevere with an unsettled player. “I know Michael Owen has been linked with a return to England, but all I can say is that Real Madrid has to have players who really want to play for this club,” the Spain forward said.

“If anyone is unhappy here, I think it is best that they leave. And that means anyone, including Michael Owen. We only need people here who are desperate to represent Real Madrid.”

Given that Raúl has been heavily criticised over the past two years by the Spanish media, there may be a note of self-interest to his comments.

Owen retains a burning desire to achieve in La Liga but, after another season of inconsistency, Real will refresh their squad in the close-season. Souness would love him to step into Shearer’s boots, but a lack of Champions League football will hinder Newcastle’s approach. Arsenal and Chelsea will be interested observers.