Madrid in for Owen! Skysports.com has this one.. "Talks over Owen's new two-year deal are believed to have broken down after hitting a late snag and leaving his future in major doubt. The news is thought to have alerted Real and they are planning to make a deal to bring him to El Santiago Bernabeu, as they continue their policy of signing more top stars. Reports claim that Owen's agent Tony Stephens and his father Terry have flown to Madrid to open talks over a move to the Spanish capital. The Spanish giants are believed to be ready to offer Liverpool £10 million for the England international plus either Fernando Morientes or Samuel Eto'o as a ready made replacement for Owen. News of Real's interest is something of a surprise as they already have a plethora of strikers at the club and it would be unsure whether or not Owen would make the team. Also Eto'o appears to be on his way to Barcelona therefore ruling out a possible swap deal for Owen, while Madrid have made it clear that Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira is their top transfer target. Liverpool could be prepared to do a deal for Owen, as his contract at Liverpool runs out at the end of this season and he would be able to leave on a free transfer. The Reds would loathe losing him on a free transfer like they did Steve McManaman in 1999 and could well decide the time is right to cash-in on him. Owen has travelled with the rest of the the Liverpool squad to Austria for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League qualifier with Grazer AK, but he may not play as it could put off potential buyers if he were cup-tied from Europe's top club competition. Reports claim Liverpool are unwilling to play him in Austria, as it would drastically reduce his transfer value. Reds boss Rafa Benitez was remaining coy over Owen's future and his participation against GAK. "I have nothing to say about his contract. Michael has travelled and I can use him if I want," said Benitez "I can pick him and if he plays, it is because he is the right player for the game. If he does not, it is because another player is considered better, nothing more than that." The news comes as something of a surprise as Owen just last week claimed he was close to agreeing his new deal at Anfield, but if Owen does not take to the field against the Austrian champions, it will give the strongest indication yet that he is set to leave Liverpool. " Can't say I blame him but based on what he was saying last week to the press this latest turnaround is almost like an act of betrayal. He should give himself two more years at Liverpool then move on. Sad but inevitable.
Good news for Newcastle fans... Yep.. read it. Fair play to him. Good move. 8mill + Antonio Nunez. Not bad for an injury ravaged player in the last year of his contract. He was a great striker for the club and will be forever held in high esteem. Looking forward to seeing him at Real next season although they're not exactly short of a few strikers Saluté. God speed (straight to the bank)
around 10M was a good price in the last year of his contract. Suggestions of getting 10M cash + Morientes/Eto'o were able imo he will do well there, should improve england's performances if their top players play abroad for a bit Hope he comes back in 2-3 years tho...
Don;t lose too much faith Jim. Although Owen has left I think they can still finish 4th as long as the midfield works well. Has been har din prev seasons with the striking positions being so lax but with Baros looking to make up for a sparse season last year and Santa Cisse(tm) up front I think ppl will be pleasantly surprised how little we miss him. Benny has some good ideas and his tactics differ from Houllier's. If we lost Gerrard then that would be a diff story!
