Michael Owen targeted by Brighton

Michael Owen is a target for Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion, according to reports.

Gus Poyet's side are preparing to move for the Manchester United striker as they push for promotion into the Premier League, The Sun claims.

Owen is currently injured but Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov are all ahead of him in the pecking order.

The former Real Madrid forward has previously stated that he would not move to a second tier team, despite only starting 18 times for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

The 32-year-old moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer after a previous spell with Newcastle United.