Reports coming from France suggest that Michael Owen may be offered an alternative method for his escape from Real Madrid – a move to France to play for his former Anfield boss Gerard Houllier.
Houllier is now manager of Lyon, and once the Michael Essien transfer to Chelsea is finalised he’ll have a massive transfer budget to play with, compared to what he had when he became the manager of the French Champions. Essien will sign for £26million subject to signing a medical.
Houllier said of Owen: "I get on well with Michael and I still have contact with him and his family."
Lyon signed John Carew in the summer, but were also interested in signing Milan Baros. Baros turned down the chance to play in France, a league he feels is not as good as either the English or Spanish leagues. Rumours are also rife that Houllier is going to be in touch with Liverpool about the possibility of signing Djibril Cisse. Cisse was signed for Liverpool by Houllier prior to his departure, although Cisse did not join immediately and Houllier never got the chance to work with him. It’s unlikely Liverpool would want to sell Cisse – and the player himself is settled in the North West and happy to be playing again after his injury last season.
Owen has his heart set on moving back to Anfield, and as long as Liverpool and Madrid can agree a suitable deal for the transfer, Owen will be wearing a Red shirt again by the end of the month. Owen is now in Denmark on duty with England. He’ll be on the bench for the friendly clash tomorrow night, alongside his friend and former Reds team-mate Jamie Carragher. Reds skipper Steven Gerrard will start the match.
There’s another Liverpool player on duty for England – goalkeeper Scott Carson starts tonight’s under-21 match against Denmark.