Daily Mail: Owen in shock Everton move

Michael Owen is in advanced talks with Everton and is close to joining his boyhood idols on a free transfer.

The former Liverpool and England striker, 32, who has also been courted of late by Stoke, must still pass a stringent medical but it suits his wishes to stay in the north-west.

The deal could go through on Monday, ironically on the night his last club Manchester United visit Goodison Park.

The signing will be considered controversial in some quarters as Owen's most prolific spell was with neighbours Liverpool.

His father Terry came through the ranks at Everton and made two First Division appearances in the 1967-68 season. Michael joined Liverpool at 12 before signing professional forms after his 17th birthday. He spent eight seasons at Anfield and scored 118 goals in 216 league appearances.

Owen struck five times against Everton in Merseyside derbies - including two in a 3-0 win at Goodison in 2003 in his last season at Liverpool - but never scored against them at Anfield.

Source: Daily Mail