Come home Michael, quick!

MICHAEL OWEN can't stay in Spain. It's injuring his football health. Never mind that he was a prolific goal-scoring substitute at Madrid last season, he's clearly dropped further down the striking pecking order at the Bernabeu after the signings of Baptista and Robinho.

He MUST leave.

But where should he go? To Newcastle where the Geordies would undoubtedly acclaim him as the natural successor to Shearer? Perhaps, but the lack of European presence and pedigree must be off-putting.

To Man United, a stage certainly worthy of Owen's talent? If Van Nistelrooy had gone then that looked probable but, it appears, the Dutchman's going nowhere. So United wouldn't be much better than Madrid and, anyway, Fergie's priority is central midfield, hence the interest in Michael Ballack.

Liverpool? Benitez, I hear, wasn't much taken with Owen on first acquaintance.

But the Anfield board is in favour and there's a shift in Liverpool's approach, especially if Baros leaves and if Real can, initially, be persuaded of a loan deal.

Take it as read, Owen IS coming home. Soon.