Japan's JEF United Chiba are planning an ambitious swoop for Newcastle striker Michael Owen, according to reports in Japan on Tuesday.

The J-League club this week unveiled former Liverpool first-team coach Alex Miller as their new manager and believe Owen can solve the team's current goal-scoring problems.

Japan's Nikkan Sports reported that Chiba officials were preparing an approach for the England international and that contact had been made with Owen's agent Tony Stephens.

Owen has yet to agree a new contract with Newcastle United and has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Manchester United.

Reports over the weekend suggested that Magpies owner Mike Ashley was willing to give Owen a new contract, but only if he agreed to an £80,000 a week deal - substancially less than his £120,000 a week deal which has twelve months left to run.

A move to Japan could prove detrimental to Owen's England career, although JEF United have transfer funds available after selling several top players before the 2008 J-League season.

"The reports are not 100 percent off the mark," Chiba's Kentaro Shiga told Reuters.

"Owen's name was one of those being talked about when the team were looking at possible targets."

The club insisted new boss Miller was not behind any potential swoop for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker.

Miller worked with Owen during their time together at Liverpool.

"The club were discussing options needed for individual positions before the new manager came in," Shiga said.

"The coach didn't tell the club to move for Owen."

Chiba are rooted to the bottom of the J-League first division, only winning their first game in 12 matches this season at the weekend with Miller watching from the stands.