Graeme Souness is hoping Michael Owen's top choices of Manchester United and Liverpool both snub his appeals. But the Toon boss suffered a big blow today as Souse captain Steven Gerrard said he wants his old mate to return to Anfield.
Striker Milan Baros is on the verge of moving to Aston Villa for a fee of around £7million and if that happens, expect the offer for Owen to around £11million.
Gerrard, talking to the Liverpool Echo: "It goes without saying I would love Michael Owen back here and I think everyone at the club would love him back.
"Obviously it's up to Real Madrid. He's their player and they will decide if he can go, but when I see Michael in the England squad this week I won't even have to ask him where he'd like to be in a few weeks.
"I am waking up every morning looking in the papers and hoping to read he is on his way here. Could you imagine him coming back to Anfield and scoring against us for another Premiership club? It would be a nightmare. Whoever signs him guarantees themselves 20 goals and in my opinion he'd be the best striker in the league."