Stoke City’s Peter Crouch: Michael Owen would be a ‘fantastic’ signing

Michael Owen (right) left Manchester United earlier this summer Michael Owen / Twitter

Peter Crouch admits former Liverpool striker Michael Owen would be a “fantastic” signing for Stoke City.

The 32-year-old was released by Manchester United in May after making just four appearances for the Old Trafford outfit last season.

Crouch decided to quit Tottenham and join Stoke in a £10m deal in August 2011, with the promise of regular first-team football tempting the England international away from White Hart Lane.

The former Liverpool striker scored 10 Premier League goals last term – his highest return in three seasons – and Crouch is confident Owen would also benefit from a move to the Britannia Stadium.

“Coming to Stoke was never a step down,” Crouch told the Sun. “I was really happy the manager could give me games when I was in and out of the Tottenham side.

“I’d rather play a big part in something smaller than be a small part of something bigger.

“I know Michael has a big decision to make after leaving a club the size of Manchester United – but I had a similar decision to make last summer.

“At Tottenham we were challenging for a Champions League place every season. We’re not doing that at Stoke but we are building something worthwhile here.”

Crouch added: “If you want to play regular football and enjoy playing again, this is a great place to be.

“Michael will obviously make his own decision but a player of that calibre would be fantastic to have around the place.

“And the fans will absolutely love him. They were amazing with me when I first signed and they’re still great with me now.”