1. Michael Owen (£17million)
PA/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesIf a striker scores 10 goals in nearly 50 games for a club, and another scores 30 in 79, who would you expect to be more popular? You'll probably get that question wrong: the first is Faustino Asprilla's record for Newcastle United, the second is Michael Owen's, yet there couldn't be a greater contrast in popularity between the two. It isn't all about goals: Asprilla is a legend for his small contribution to the biggest and best period in Newcastle's recent history, while as Owen is arguably the biggest villain there is on Tyneside. He was signed from Real Madrid for a club record £17million in the summer of 2005 as the man to shoulder the goalscoring responsibility that Alan Shearer would leave when he retired a year later. He did a decent job in terms of the goals, but little else about him is looked back on with fondness by Newcastle fans. His time at the club, which was the duration of his four year contract, was blighted by injury which admittedly can see little blame put at his feet, but the fact that he got a serious knee injury at the 2006 World Cup (for which Newcastle got compensation, which helped pay for the Martins deal) was partly down to the fact he had rushed himself back to fitness to get on the plane to Germany. As a result, Newcastle lost out, all while Owen was picking up the biggest paycheque at the club and travelling to training by helicopter. His failure to supply his best form when the club needed him most resulting in relegation to the Championship in 2009, coupled with snide comments after he left the club have meant he will never be welcomed back to St James' Park with anything other than a chorus of boos. Michael Owen's transfer record still stands today, but rather than being like a trophy showcasing the pride of the deal, it is more like a shadow and a constant reminder that the former England striker played for Newcastle United. The pressure is on Siem de Jong to impress at Newcastle, but the price tag doesn't weigh too heavy. If he gets it right, he will receive adulation beyond that he'll have ever experienced. Here's hoping.