Michael Owen, out of contract next summer, has put talks over a new deal on hold with crisis-hit Newcastle until the end of the season. (Daily Mirror)

AS the Gazette revealed yesterday, Newcastle may offer full-back Stephen Carr a short-term deal to solve their defensive problems. (Various)

Australian outfit Melbourne Heat are hoping to make injured Newcastle striker Mark Viduka, 32, their marquee signing at the end of the season. (The Times)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is keeping tabs on Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will allow Marlon Harewood to leave the club as part of a £10m deal to land Reading striker Kevin Doyle. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United are trailing £5m-rated Turkish striker Sercan Yildirim, 18, of Bursaspor. (Various)

Diego Tristan hopes to be offered a short-term deal with West Ham when his trial ends on Saturday. (The Times)

Brian Howard has warned Barnsley he will go on strike unless he is allowed to join Sheffield United. (Daily Mail)

Plymouth want to complete the loan signing of Crystal Palace midfielder Carl Fletcher, 28, before the end of the week. (Daily Star)

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has been promised £2m to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson in the January transfer window. (Various)

Nottingham Forest are poised to offer deals to Arsenal academy graduates James Dunne, 19, Paul Rodgers, 19 and Abu Ogogo, 18. (Daily Star)