Cisse would welcome chance to play alongside Owen

FRENCH striker Djibril Cisse would welcome the chance to test himself against Premiership defences in the Liverpool attack alongside Michael Owen.

Cisse, who scored 14 goals for French Cup finalists Auxerre this season, has been linked with many clubs but said yesterday that Liverpool was his first-choice.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier and Auxerre coach Guy Roux are long-time friends and were reported to have talked about a transfer.