First James, now Owen? Surely not…

Speculation continues to mount that City could be on the verge of one of the most audacious moves ever.

According to the Daily Mail on Wednesday, City boss Steve Coppell approached his friend Sir Alex Ferguson about a loan deal for Danny Welbeck.

But after getting knocked back for his young protege, Fergie has reportedly told Coppell he can take Owen on loan instead!

The injury-plagued England striker faces the axe from Manchester United’s squad for the start of the season following new Premier League rules that stipulate the naming of 25-man squads by the end of the transfer window, meaning Owen, and many other crocked stars, could be loaned out until January to get match-fit.

City boss Steve Coppell quipped: “We’ve tried for Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi but they haven’t returned our calls yet.

“We had discussions with Michael Owen about travelling down in his helicopter but it’s not come to anything.”

Vital City first heard of this rumour around two weeks ago but sources thought it to be rubbish. Now with the Daily Mail running the story today… well… we’ll believe it when I see it!