[lfc-news] Owen on the brink - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 9 Aug 2004
Owen on the brink
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

MICHAEL OWEN'S Anfield future is in the balance after an 11th hour crisis
in contract talks.

The Liverpool striker is unlikely to play in the Champions League qualifier
against AK Graz unless his situation is resolved within the next 24 hours.

Owen continued negotiations about a new deal in New York last week and was
close to agreeing terms, but it's believed clubs from abroad - including
Barcelona - have shown late interest to sign him.

Real Madrid have also had a long-term interest in the striker.

The ECHO understands that's forced the 24-year-old into the biggest
decision of his career.

He must either sign a new deal now or leave the club immediately to ensure
Liverpool get a decent fee for his services.

Owen doesn't want to exit Liverpool on a free transfer, but unless he's
sold before August 31 or signs the contract on offer, that's the only
option left.

The timing of tomorrow's Champions League qualifier has created a major
dilemma for both the player and his club.

Neither party wants Owen cup-tied because if contract talks break down
after the fixture, both will lose out.

If Owen plays in Austria, he'll only be eligible to play in Europe for
Liverpool this season. That will effectively end any possibility of him
being transferred to a top continental club before next summer.

Any joy at keeping Owen for another season must be balanced by the fact
Liverpool would then risk losing a £10m asset on a free Bosman transfer -
unless the striker signs a new deal.

Rafael Benitez's first teamsheet for a competitive Liverpool match now
promises to be one of his most important.

If Owen's name is on it, it indicates the forward will pledge his future to
the club and sign fresh terms.

If the worst case scenario materialises and he isn't, an illustrious
Anfield career could be coming to an end.

However, Benitez tried to play down the situation today, saying: "For me
the most important thing is the match and I don't want to talk about
individual players.

"Michael will travel with the team and I can use him if I want. I won't
decide on the starting XI until half-an-hour before the match.

"I train with all the squad, not just 11 players and my job at the moment
is simply to prepare the team for a big game tomorrow."

Danny Murphy is still in London considering his options having been told he
can leave for a £3m fee.

Spurs have matched Liverpool's valuation, but Murphy is likely to talk to
several other clubs before he makes his decision.

Real Sociedad's Xabi Alonso has been lined up as a replacement.

Benitez watched the 22-year-old at Goodison Park on Saturday.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/