MICHAEL Owen is 6/1 to play for Newcastle United before Christmas, Ladbrokes reported yesterday (Friday).

The England striker had an operation on his injured right knee in Colorado after damaging against Sweden in Cologne.

But he is said to have been told he will need a second operation that could keep him out all season.

Owen is 1/12 not to run out for the Toon this side of the festive season and 4/11 to play at all this season.

With new England boss Steve McClaren resigned to losing him for the start of the Euro 2008 campaign, Ladbrokes make him 100/1 to finish top Premiership goalscorer.

Spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "The news doesn't look good for Owen who has had a terrible time with injuries this year. It now looks like his knee will keep him out past the anniversary of his foot injury."

Amid speculation that David Beckham may have met representatives of the North East club, Ladbrokes are odds on that he leaves the Bernabeu this summer.

Despite new boss Fabio Capello pledging to keep the former England skipper, the Magic Sign are 4/7 that he moves on and 5/4 that he stays.

Hutchison added: "He may not be going to St James' Park, but he could well be on his way out if there is a cull."

LATEST BETTING

Michael Owen

To play for Newcastle before Christmas

Yes 6/1
No 1/12

To play a Premiership game for Newcastle this season ?

4/11

To finish top Premiership scorer ?

100/1

David Beckham to be at Real Madrid on the first day of the new season ?

Yes 4/7
No 5/4