Owen covets Reds return as Magpies wait in wings

MICHAEL OWEN is hoping to persuade Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez to change his transfer market priorities and pave the way for a high-profile return to Anfield.

Owen covets a move back to his former club but has indicated he will join Newcastle on a season-long loan deal if his preferred option fails to materialise this week.

Benitez has publicly stated that a new striker is not his number one target despite the departure of Milan Baros to Aston Villa this week. But pressure is increasing on the Reds boss to change his mind after watching his side draw a blank in Tuesday night’s Champions League third qualifying round second leg defeat to CSKA Sofia.