MICHAEL OWEN last night warned off potential suitors planning a new year move for his services by reiterating a desire to prove himself at Newcastle United.

With former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson keen to take Owen to Manchester City, uncertainty continues to hang over the striker after a frustrating 27 months on Tyneside.

Just ten goals in 23 appearances - largely through injury - has led to many Newcastle supporters doubting whether the 27-year-old is fully committed to the Magpies cause.

But Owen wants the speculation to stop, allowing him to focus on recapturing the sort of form he showed in last month's European Championships qualifiers with Israel and Russia at Wembley.

It has been claimed in recent weeks Newcastle chairman Chris Mort and manager Sam Allardyce are ready to offer the player a new contract.

But Owen, with just 18 months remaining on his existing deal, maintains talks are yet to begin.

"I signed a four-year contract, but there is speculation every summer, every transfer window, I don't know where it starts," said Owen. "Action speaks louder than words. I'm still here and still loving my time here. I haven't been offered or asked for a new contract. Neither has my agent. It is pie in the sky."

Nevertheless, regardless of the non-existent negotiations over new terms, Owen maintains that playing for Newcastle and winning over the fans is a priority.

The £16m man expected to see his name bandied around in the build up to the January transfer window, but he claims the possibility of him teaming up with Eriksson - who has hinted he is interested - remains purely fiction rather than fact.

"A month hasn't gone by without somebody saying I'm going here, there and everywhere," said the club's record buy. "Six months and people are talking about this clause and that clause. I feel sorry for fans rather than myself.

"It's water off a duck's back for me, but it must be frustrating for the fans reading about this club and that club. I'm still here and looking forward to our next game and continuing the season with Newcastle.

"I've said numerous times that I'm happy here, but speculation has followed me since I've been here. I say the right things and play in the right way by trying my best, so I don't know where it comes from. I'm happy and looking forward to playing well.

"It's usually November when there are stories about me going somewhere, but they seem to have started in October. No matter what I do or say, there will be a story linking me with somewhere else."

While talks over a new deal are yet to start with Owen, Newcastle yesterday confirmed there have been discussions with Nicky Butt over extending his stay.

Butt will be 33 by the time his existing deal expires at the end of the season but Allardyce - who managed to extend Gary Speed's playing days at Bolton - has no qualms about retaining the midfielder's services.

"Nicky Butt has been one of our most consistent players this season," said the Newcastle boss. "He has looked a real force this season, picking up the loose ball and getting our attacks moving.

"Contract talks go above me but talks are going on. I don't know how far along they've gone but they are happening. He is someone I'd like to stick around. He has started this season, has played in virtually every game and has been one of our best performers.

"I'd like to give him another one, maybe two years contract. In terms of fitness we can prolong his career with the tools and expertise we have here, like we did with Gary Speed at Bolton.

"But it is up to Nicky Butt how long he wants to carry on playing for. He's only 31, so he's not exactly an old man yet."

Team-mate Alan Smith hopes to line up with Butt against Portsmouth tomorrow after speaking to Allardyce following the manager's decision to leave him out at Reading.

"I want to play every game - I didn't come here not to play," said Smith.

"I feel I am good enough to play in the team and the manager knows how I feel. When you have been suspended and the team has won, you have to take it on the chin."