Focus turns to Owen as Gerrard commits to ’Pool

LIVERPOOL are “reasonably optimistic” that Michael Owen will sign a new long-term contract after captain Steve Gerrard pledged his future to the club.

Owen said it "would be catastrophic" if the dynamic England midfielder left Anfield speculation had him almost definitely transferred to Chelsea.

But in a surprise development Gerrard, who signed a four-year deal last November, announced yesterday that he was going nowhere.