www.chinaview.cn 2005-08-19 06:09:20
Owen set to return to
Liverpool
LONDON, August 18 (Xinhuanet) -- England and Real Madrid striker
Michael Owen is set for a return to Liverpool, according to
reports.
Owen, 25, has been linked with a move to Manchester United and
Newcastle while Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has insisted he is
not after a striker.
But forwards Milan Baros and
Djibril Cisse may leave Anfield and pave the way for an Owen
comeback.
Baros could move to Aston Villa and Cisse is understood to be the
subject of interest from French club Lyon.
Lyon will be flush with cash with the 26 million-pound transferfrom
Michael Essien's expected switch to Chelsea and their managerGerard
Houllier signed Cisse for Liverpool when in charge of the
Merseysiders.
Houllier was rumoured to be eyeing Owen but the player appears to
favour a move back to the Premiership.
Owen's future at Real is in doubt after the Spanish giants signed
Robinho and Julio Baptista to complement an attacking forcealready
boasting Raul and Ronaldo.
And, with Owen seemingly fifth choice, he has been linked with
leaving the Bernabeu for more regular first-team football in
WorldCup year.
Liverpool received eight million-pound and Antonio Nunez for Owen
when they sold him last summer and Real are believed to want 10
million for the hitman.
But, with Benitez after a right midfielder and centre-back, a loan
deal has been mooted, despite Real not being too keen on the
idea.
It may, however, be their main option if Manchester United do not
make a firm bid for Owen. Enditem
