Owen says reds have done things right handling Suarez

Former England striker Michael Owen has praised Liverpool for the way they have handled Luis Suarez during the transfer window.

Arsenal failed with a £40,000,001 for Suarez and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is confident there is insufficient time for Real Madrid to succeed with a late bid.

Owen, who scored 118 goals for Liverpool in 216 appearances from 1996 to 2004, believes the controversial Uruguay striker placed the club in an awkward position.

“When Luis Suarez stated his desire to leave, it put the club in a very difficult position and they’ve handled it well,” said Owen, speaking on behalf of the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards.

“It’s been very difficult for the club because it’s unlike Wayne Rooney at Manchester United or Gareth Bale at Tottenham in that they were handled well.

“It looks as though he’ll be staying and I’m sure Liverpool fans are delighted because he’s an important player.

“Along with Steven Gerrard he’s been one of the shining lights of the Premier League. Liverpool were reliant on those two last season.

“If you want to press for honours then you need to keep your best players.

“I’m sure Liverpool are desperate for the widow to shut so they can put all the transfer speculation behind them and move on.”