Owen too old, say Perth Glory

SYDNEY (AFP) –

Stoke City’s Michael Owen warms up ahead of a Premier League match in Stoke, western England, on September 15, 2012. Australian A-League club Perth Glory Tuesday ruled out signing Owen because they want someone younger.

Australian A-League club Perth Glory Tuesday ruled out signing former England international Michael Owen because they want someone younger.

Owen, 33, who scored 40 goals in 89 internationals for England and had stints with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United, is currently playing for Stoke City in the English Premier League.

Glory coach Ian Ferguson said Owen’s representatives contacted the club but the discussions did not go far.

“Michael is a player who comes with a high pedigree but it’s not the direction I want to take the club,” Ferguson said on the team website.

“I am looking for a younger player and a player who has been playing more regularly. I have three or four irons in the fire that I am pursuing, which is good.

“In terms of Michael, there was contact from an agent if we were interested. It was discussed at a good level but I have made the decision he is not the player needed at Perth Glory.”

Glory have one spare position in their squad for an international after releasing Irish striker Billy Mehmet this month, leaving them without a marquee player.