RUMOURS linking Reading with an incredible swoop for Manchester United's Michael Owen are gathering momentum.

The Chronicle exclusively broke the news of Royals' possible interest in the 32-year-old striker three weeks ago.

And last weekend our story was picked up by several national newspapers including The Sunday Times.

It is thought Owen is eager to play first-team football with a view to finding a new club before his contract with United expires in the summer.

The Sunday Times also suggests Royals' new owner Anton Zingarevich wants to bring ex-Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb to the Madejski Stadium.

The 30-year-old left Barcelona in January to sign for Russian Premier League club Krylia Sovetov Samara until the end of the season.

Zingarevich's proposed �25 million takeover of Reading, which would earn him a 51% stake, is close to going through and the 29-year-old Russian has already backed manager Brian McDermott in the transfer market.

It saw Royals boss make an audacious loan swoop for Manchester City's Wayne Bridge in the January transfer window, while unconfirmed rumours hinted at a move for former England ace Owen Hargreaves.