Owen, whose career on Tyneside has been beset by injuries, played just three times for the Magpies last term and has failed to respond to treatment on a thigh injury that has hampered his pre-season programme. Allardyce said: "It doesn't look as encouraging as we first thought."

The 27-year-old now looks set to sit out the season opener against Allardyce's former club Bolton Wanderers next weekend, paving the way for new signing Alan Smith, who completed his move from Manchester United on Friday.

"The tear in the muscle hasn't healed as quickly as we would like, so there's no point in making any rash decisions just to get him fit for the start of the season," Allardyce added.

"It's about getting him 100 per cent for playing matches on a regular basis. That's why it has been more disappointing for him that he's missed pre-season games more than training. He's done enough training to last him a lifetime."