Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet has distanced himself from rumours linking the Championship club with a move for Manchester United striker Michael Owen.

Reports this week claimed that the out-of-favour frontman is a possible target for the Seagulls. However, Poyet has stated that the 32-year-old was "not contacted" over a possible switch.

"I didn't start the rumour," Poyet told the Brighton Argus. "I started one last week in here about selling Lewis Dunk to Real Madrid for £20m and nobody took it!

"I woke up and everyone was texting me about Michael Owen, even my son who knows everything. I said I don't know anything about it. It would be a dream for this football club to have Michael Owen but it's not true.

"I'm not saying he is not available or he doesn't want to come here and drop a few pounds in his salary but he was not contacted, he was not thought about, he was not on the list. But if he wants to come he can give me a call."

Owen has netted five goals since joining the Red Devils in 2009.