Stoke chairman Peter Coates says manager Tony Pulis could be interested in taking Michael Owen to the Britannia Stadium on a free transfer.
The Potters were keen on signing the 32-year-old before he joined Manchester United on a free transfer from Newcastle three seasons ago.
Owen confirmed earlier in the week that he was not being offered a new contract at Old Trafford, but expressed his determination to continue his playing career at Premier League level.
He has ruled out dropping down to the Championship and Stoke could offer the former Liverpool forward the chance to stay in the top flight.
Stoke owner Coates would not be surprised if Pulis told him Owen was on his list of transfer targets when he returned from his post-season holiday.
Coates told The Sentinel: "Tony is away at the moment, but that is one we could discuss when he gets back. He was interested in him previously.
"Michael Owen has been a fantastic player and I can see why Tony might be interested. But that will be very much a judgement for the management to make."
Owen scored 17 goals in 52 appearances for United but featured only four times in 2011/12 before suffering a thigh injury in November that sidelined him for the rest of the season.
