Hull remain hopeful they can entice Michael Owen to the KC Stadium after his Newcastle contract expires tomorrow.

The Tigers are one of the few English clubs to have publicly declared their interest in signing the former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward although the 29-year-old is not likely to be short of offers.

Neither manager Phil Brown nor chairman Paul Duffen have had contact with Owen but they are hoping for a chance to meet as the player officially becomes a free agent this week.