Viduka casts doubt on Owen future

Viduka (r) is preparing for the Asian Cup

Newcastle's Australian international striker Mark Viduka has cast fresh doubt on England forward Michael Owen's long-term future at the Magpies.

Owen's contract contains a clause which means he can go if a bid - believed to be more than £9m - is received.

Speaking from his country's Singapore training camp ahead of the Asian Cup, striker Viduka said: "I am not sure if Michael is staying."

Owen, 27, joined the Magpies in 2005 in a £17m move from Real Madrid.

But his two years on Tyneside have been racked by injury, restricting him to a handful of games.

Owen netted in the Euro 2008 qualifying win in Estonia, which was a record 23rd competitive goal for his country.

Viduka joined Newcastle on a two-year contract with the option of a third year earlier this month. The 31-year-old Australian, who arrived on a free transfer, rejected a new contract offered by Middlesbrough.