Graham Sharp has conceded that he can understand why his former club Everton are being linked with a move for Michael Owen.

Former Liverpool striker Owen is currently a free agent following his release from Manchester United earlier this summer.

Discussing Owen's potential switch to Goodison Park, Sharp said that the ex-England international would provide welcome cover to Nikica Jelavic, who joined the club from Rangers in January.

"Up front is somewhere Everton need to look to strengthen," he told talkSPORT. "If Jelavic got injured we would be really light up top for a goalscorer.

"That was the problem last year at the beginning of the season, we couldn't score goals. Jelavic addressed that problem but we need back-up and that is why the name of Michael Owen has come up in conversations."

Owen recently revealed that he is still waiting to receive the right offer.