24.08.2005 - Owen eyes Anfield return

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Michael Owen has today confirmed that he is hoping to return to the Premiership by making a return to Liverpool.

The Real Madrid striker, who left Anfield in an £8million deal last summer, has seen his place come under threat at the Bernebeu, following the signings of Brazilian wonderkid Robinho, as well as Julio Baptista, a fellow Brazil international forward, who has proven to be one of the most prolific forwards in La Liga during his time at Sevilla.

With Raul and Ronaldo both likely to remain ahead of Owen in the queue for a place in the team, the former Liverpool man could find himself as the fifth choice, which could be damaging for Owen's England chances ahead of next year's World Cup.

And after rejecting the chance to sign for Everton, Owen has said that his preferred destination, should he leave Madrid, is his former home.

He said: "I said that my ideal situation was to start the season in the Real Madrid team and if not I would prefer to return to Liverpool. If the transfer cannot be finalised in time I have agreed to go to Newcastle."

Should Owen make a move to Liverpool before the transfer window closes next week, he would be available to play in Europe due to Real Madrid not being involved in this month's Champions League qualifiers,