Various reports around the less than reputable football sites (unlike us!) are linking the one time English international poster boy, Michael Owen to the Rams. A 1.5 million pound package is being touted to get a Devil into Rams clothing.
To date every report carried no hard evidence and in fact mainly recycled quotes from Clough about having to boost his squad alongside Owen’s recent comments regarding his place in the pecking order at Old Trafford.
It seems increasingly likely that Owen will not be continuing his time at Old Trafford and therefore find himself available on a free-transfer. Much like the recent Kevin Phillips rumour, it is entirely possible but perhaps less likely because of Owen's age.
Unlike Phillips at 37, it is hard to see Michael not finding a home at another Premier League club as at 31 he has proven when fit and given an opportunity will still score goals.
Injuries are the biggest concern when bringing Owen into your squad but on a free and no doubt a shrinking wage packet, he would be worth the risk for any club looking for goals and a face for their club. We just lost our face (hair and teeth) so perhaps it would be a good fit?
As much as it is unlikely the Rams would be in a position to land the striker there is no doubt from a marketing perspective he would be a valuable asset. In this day and age of promotion being king – a marquee signing like Michael could be as valuable as discovering oil under Pride Park (but if that happened expect a U.S invasion – hang on we have already had that at DCFC).
The shirt sales and merchandise alone would, if history is any guide, go a long way to helping pay whatever wages the falling star can still command. Plus if there is any player you could sign to keep the media focused on the Rams following Savs departure, Owen would be one of few who could do that for a Championship club.
Perhaps it’s a crock or perhaps a young Michael Owen was once given advice and support at Liverpool by a certain Nigel Clough that he has never forgotten. Whatever the case there is no doubt if fit and able to handle the physicality of the league, Michael Owen could find himself scoring for fun at a lower level.
Craig Bellamy has had similar injury issues and has this year been instrumental in the rise of Cardiff city both on the table and financially. The mouthy Welshman (Bellamy, not Savage) is six months older than Owen and if that is any guide proves that at 31 years of age, Michael could still have something to offer the Rams.
13 goals in 46 appearances over 2 seasons, for one of the world’s best clubs, is nothing to sneeze at. That sort of resume should have any lower league club welcoming Owen with open arms and quite a heavy briefcase.
So in summary - injuries would be my major concern (especially coming to a club that has been the Bermuda triangle for injured players) - but I like most others would find it hard to not get a little excited if a player with the potential class of Michael Owen pulled on a Derby County shirt.
I file the rumour in the unlikely but not impossible category.
The silly signing season is beginning – and it seems this off-season - it could be sillier than ever!