Liverpool get real on Owen

LIVERPOOL are expected to open formal talks with Real Madrid for the transfer of Michael Owen over the weekend and believe they can land their former player before the transfer deadline for as little as a £4million down payment.

It is understood the 25-year-old and his advisors are not interested in Newcastle’s club record bid for the England striker, leaving the way open for Liverpool to declare their hand.

Manager Rafael Benitez will insist the Anfield club do not pay over the odds for a player they were forced to sell to Madrid for just £8million last summer.

Real Madrid were able to sign the striker for a knock-down price because Liverpool were unwilling to allow Owen to wind down his contract and leave for nothing as Steve McManaman did when he moved to the Spanish giants.

It is understood that Liverpool have already had preliminary talks with Madrid and Owen’s advisors, and believe they can secure the player for around £10million.

Liverpool are still owed £4million from the deal which took Owen to Spain, so that would instantly be cut from any asking price. It is thought the Merseysiders would be happy to then pay a £4million down payment and then a further £2million in instalments over the length of a four-year contract for Owen.