MICHAEL OWEN was at Manchester United's training ground this morning as his move to the Premier League champions moved closer.

MICHAEL OWEN was at Manchester United's training ground this morning as his move to the Premier League champions moved closer.

The 29-year-old arrived at Carrington having already undergone an assessment of his troublesome knee. He is expected to have further tests at a Manchester hospital later and, if United's medical staff give him the all-clear, he could join former club Liverpool's arch-rivals as soon as next week.

Owen's Newcastle contract lapsed on July 1 but, although the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker apparently remained eager to stay in the Barclays Premier League, it appeared only the likes of Stoke and Hull were ready to make a concrete offer.

They were joined by reigning champions United, who have lost star man Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina striker Carlos Tevez since the end of last season.

Owen suffered from a series of injury problems during his stint at St James' Park and Sir Alex Ferguson was thought to be lining up a pay-as-you-play deal for the forward.

The 29-year-old was believed to be on around £110,000 at Newcastle, for whom he scored 10 goals as they were relegated to the Coca-Cola Championship last season, but would be happy to take a reduced basic salary for a top-four club.

lChelsea today confirmed they have "completely rejected" an offer from Manchester City for club captain and England skipper John Terry. City also had an approach for the 28-year-old turned down in late 2008.

In today's English papers: lChelsea the only club to have submitted a formal bid, of about £40m, for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery - but French international wants to join Real Madrid.

lLiverpool steeling themselves for two bids worth nearly a combined £60m from Real Madrid and Barcelona for Xabi Alonso and his Javier Mascherano.

lAC Milan could make £12m bid for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.