We couldn't control Madrid situation on Owen, insists Benitez

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez admitted yesterday that once Real Madrid declared an interest in Michael Owen it became impossible to keep the England striker.

The new Anfield chief announced Owen's departure to the Bernabeu and the arrival of winger Antonio Nunez from the Spanish giants in a deal in which Liverpool will get only £8m for the player, who is already in the last year of his contract.

Benitez promised he will move quickly to bring in more players with the Owen cash to "balance" the side. Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Alonso and Barcelona right-sided midfielder Luis Garcia are the likely candidates.