Shanghai Shenhua owner Zhu Jun denies that his club will sign Michael Owen

[Luis Suarez]

Shanghai Shenhua owner Zhu Jun denies that his club will sign Michael Owen

Rumors have spread of player-manager Nicolas Anelka's interest in the former England striker, but the club's president took to social media on Thursday night to deny the reports

May 4, 2012 4:50:00 AM

By Dan Orlowitz

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Shanghai Shenhua owner Zhu Jun on Thursday evening denied reports that his club will be signing current Manchester United striker Michael Owen.

The 32-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, was the subject of attention from Shenhua player-manager Nicolas Anelka according to The Sun.

Since taking on a second role following the departure of manager Jean Tigana, Anelka has also expressed a strong interest in bringing on former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.

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But after rumours of Owen's potential arrival spread throughout Chinese Twitter-like service Weibo, Shenhua's multi-millinaire owner took to his own account in order to comment on the situation.

"Who's making such irresponsible statements?" Jun said in response to questions about the former England international. "Owen isn't coming [to Shenhua]."

Despite the denial, the club may be forced to make a big signing this summer in an effort to re-kindle supporter interest.

Current league leaders Ghangzhou Evergrande made waves earlier this week by announcing the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios.

Shenhua are currently struggling in the Chinese Super League, sitting in 10th place with just nine points from eight matches and stagnating attendance.