Michael Owen says he wants to continue to play in the Barclays Premier League after confirming that he is to leave Newcastle United when his contract expires next week.

The 29-year-old striker, who rejected a new deal at St James’ Park at the turn of the year, cost a club record £17 million when he signed from Real Madrid in 2005.

Owen’s decision comes as no surprise as Newcastle attempt to slash their wage bill in the wake of a disastrous relegation from the Barclays Premier League. His availability has been made known to a series of clubs both at home and abroad by his representatives in recent weeks and he has admits that there has been interest from clubs at home and abroad.

“I’m still obviously contracted to Newcastle," Owen said. "I’ve still got weeks, a month or whatever left, I’m not sure, so that’s where I am at the minute.

“I don’t think I’m going to be re-signing at Newcastle. I don’t think they are going to offer me a contract and I would prefer to play in the Premier League or a top division somewhere else. I’m still a Newcastle player, but I think it will only be for a matter of weeks.

“There are plenty of clubs who would interest me, but we will see where that is, whether that’s home or abroad. There has been a lot of interest from abroad, and quite a bit from at home as well.

“Obviously, the Premier League is where I feel I belong. I played a year out in Spain and enjoyed it at Real Madrid, but it definitely confirmed to me that I prefer the Premier League.

“So if it was to be a good English club, that would be my preference, but I have had quite a lot of interest from abroad, so I wouldn’t rule that out.”