Official: Owen joins United, Sturridge signed for Chelsea

Manchester United have confirmed the shock capture of striker Michael Owen.

The England forward was available on a free transfer after his contract at Newcastle United expired at the end of June.

A number of sides were interested in signing the former Liverpool and Real Madrid attacker, but United emerged as favourites to secure his signature.

The 29-year-old underwent a medical in Manchester on Friday and has now sealed his move to the Premier League champions, inking a two-year deal.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the club’s official website: “Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question.

Owen said: “I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him the next morning during which he told me that he wanted to sign me. I agreed without a moment’s thought.

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of teenage striker Daniel Sturridgeon a four-year contract from Manchester City.

Sturridge had been expected to secure a move to Stamford Bridge after turning down a new deal at City.

With the pacey forward being under the age of 24, City are entitled to compensation and the fee is likely to be decided by a tribunal.

The Premier League rivals have failed to agree on a settlement, but reports suggest Chelsea could end up paying £5million for the 19-year-old.

He had also been linked with Aston Villa and West Ham United, but will add to the attacking options at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal this season.

Sturridge, who is the nephew of former Derby forward Dean Sturridge, made his debut for City in February 2007 against Reading.

During his City career, he scored six goals in 32 games in all competitions, with the majority of his appearances coming from the bench.