Liverpool Don't Want Owen

Although Owen stalled all talk with any other club to try an make an emotional return to Anfield two years ago, the Scouse club didn't want him then, and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez says he doesn't want him now!

So with Manchester United's interest in Owen falling flat because of Owen's £5million-a-year wages and his questionable fitness, that just leaves Arsene Wenger in the frame.

Wenger is expected to watch Owen when he plays for England B against Albania this Friday night and again when he faces Brazil and Estonia if he proves his fitness at Turf Moor.

But other reports suggest that Owen could just be a smoke-screen, and the real interest is in Oba Martins. Wenger has made his admiration for Martins very clear in the past, but the Nigerian is off on African Nations at the moment.

Former Newcastle defender John Beresford cannot believe chairman Freddy Shepherd allowed a £9million escape clause in Michael Owen's contract.

The 27-year-old could now leave St James' Park on the cheap this summer due to a clause inserted in his contract allowing him to leave for almost half the amount Newcastle paid for his services. And Beresford, who spent six years with the club, admits he finds it difficult to understand why the club have left themselves so vulnerable by agreeing to the clause in the first place.

Beresford: "I find it bewildering. From a player's point of view, it's great business.

"From a club's point of view it doesn't make sense to me. It's like me going to the bank and saying 'I've got this car and it's worth £17million and in a year's time anybody can come and buy it off me for £9million whether I like it or not. It just doesn't make sense.

"If Manchester United were to come in and pay £9million - and that is a bargain for Michael Owen - with them playing in the Champions League and competing on all levels, it would be a nightmare for Newcastle.

"They have invested £17million for him, paid him a lot of money, but he was clever enough to put a clause in his contract him and I wouldn't blame him if he wants to play Champions League football and be at the highest level so I would be surprised if he stays if somebody offers it."