NEWCASTLE, England (AFP) - Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan believes England striker Michael Owen will sign a new deal to remain at St James' Park.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season, and manager Keegan, whose side face local rivals Sunderland on Sunday, has made his retention a priority.

"It's for (chairman) Chris Mort to do that now. I have made it absolutely clear what I think should be done, and I have passed that on to him," said Keegan.

"He will handle that now so any questions about that will be between Chris Mort and Michael's advisors. But my feeling is, genuinely, that he wants to be here, he wants to help lead this club for the next few years."

Owen, who will lead Newcastle out on Sunday, is still awaiting his first goal against Sunderland due to injury and the Wearside club's year out of the top flight last season.