26.07.2004 - Owen set for new deal
Michael Owen's future looks set to be decided before the end of Liverpool's North American tour, with the Reds striker expected to agree a deal to stay at the club.
Owen's agent is due to fly to America for further talks with Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry, and it is expect that Owen will agree a two year extension to his current deal, which is due to expire in less than a year's time.
An announcement is unlikely to be made until the squad return home at the end of next week but Parry will be hoping to conclude talks as soon as possible, and end the uncertainty surrounding Owen's immediate Liverpool future.
The club's top scorer in every full season in which he has been a member of the first team squad, Owen was known to have been disappointed with Liverpool's lack of progress in the past couple of seasons, and has been strongly linked with a move away.
But the arrival of Rafael Benitez will almost certainly see Owen stay with the club for a least another year, as Liverpool aim to challenge for the top honours once more.
Seeing Owen sign a new contract will be a double summer boost for Benitez who, in his first week as Liverpool manager, was faced with a struggle to keep both of his top stars, with Steven Gerrard also looking set for a move away from Anfield. And if Owen can come to the same decision as his captain and remain at the club, Liverpool's chances of improving on last year's fourth placed finish will improve even further.
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