Do Liverpool Want Own Owen?

The news from Merseyside today was simple, "if Newcastle want to pay £18m for Owen ... get on with it".

A bid has been made but still Owen refuses to sign a proper deal with the Tynesiders, even if Liverpool pull out, and it is looking more likely they will. Shepherd knows the Reds cannot match £18m after their summer spending, but he also knows Owen will only join his side on a loan. So he feels he can't lose on this one. He could even get the player for nothing.

But insiders know full well Owen is concerned about the continued behind-the-scenes battles that continue to trouble the Black and Whites. Souness was brought in to "sort it", but all he seems to have done is cause more hassle than there was originally. This is NOT a happy club ... and Owen knows it!

Benitez has publicly stated that a new striker is not his number one target despite the departure of Milan Baros to Aston Villa this week. Yet he has not categorically ruled a move for Owen out and pressure is increasing on him to act after watching his side draw a blank in Tuesday's Champions League third qualifying round second leg defeat to CSKA Sofia.

The ball is now in Benitez's court amid mounting speculation he doesn't want the player back. But Owen scored 158 goals in 297 games for Liverpool before leaving for Madrid last summer and would be welcomed back with open arms by Reds fans.