Michael Owen has reportedly left Manchester United's Carrington training ground, likely heading to hospital to undertake a stringent medical ahead of a likely move.

In a shock move, the former Liverpool striker appears on the verge of joining United, with the Red Devils having missed out on Karim Benzema to Real Madrid, while losing Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Owen who opted to leave Newcastle following the expiration of his contract, was forced to produce a sales brochure to generate interest as he expressed a desire to stay in the Premier League.

Hull and Stoke soon followed, with Tigers boss Phil Brown particularly keen on bringing Owen to the KC Stadium.

However it seems that Sir Alex Ferguson will be the man to lure Owen to Old Trafford, albeit on a dramatically reduced wage, rumoured to be in the vicinity of £20,00 -£50,000 per week, plus incentives.

Recently Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce ruled out a move for Owen.

"I just question the injury scenario, " Big Sam told BBC Sport.

"I need a striker that's going to be available for 30 games next season. That's not happened for Michael over the last four years."