Reds fans warm to prospect of Owen’s return

THE majority of Liverpool supporters would warmly welcome Michael Owen back to Anfield should he decide to leave Real Madrid.

Owen has seemingly been relegated to fifth-choice striker at the Bernabeu following the near €60 million investment in Julio Baptista and Robinho this weekend.

The England striker knows he cannot afford to sit on the bench too long with the World Cup finals fast approaching. Speculation is mounting that he will return to England with Manchester United and Liverpool understood to be in the frame for his services.

However, Jim Boardman, from the supporters website, AnfieldRoad.com, said: “I would say 75% of the supporters would be in favour of bringing him back for the right price. Certainly no Liverpool fan wants to see him move to (Manchester) United.”

Whether manager Rafael Benitez would like to see him back in Liverpool’s colours is open to debate. Boardman believes, however, that chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry would both back the move.

Boardman added: “Benitez would be wary, unless the right price was paid. But it is definitely possible.”

It has emerged that Real’s fans have turned against Owen and expect him to play next to no part in the coming season.

Only 12% of supporters picked Owen in their ideal Madrid team for the Primera Liga and Champions League season ahead, with Ronaldo included by 91% in a variety of forward lines. The survey, by the newspaper Marca, is a further indication of how Owen faces a crisis ahead of the new campaign.

Last season, Owen’s starring role as substitute led to his promotion to the first team, with the fans embracing the England man as he finished the campaign with 13 league goals from 20 starts.

Their position has changed with the buying spree which Real boss Wanderley Luxemburgo has predicted will continue, and Owen now faces a choice: stay and fight for his place again, or return to England.

Expectation is on Madrid’s new signings to help the club challenge Barcelona for the Spanish title, with both players set to play a vital role in the first team.