Real could tempt Owen, says Lawro

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes a move to Real Madrid could prove too tempting for Michael Owen to turn down if it comes to fruition.

Owen has been linked with both Madrid and Barcelona after his contract talks stalled following 15 months of negotiation – despite implying last week that he was on the verge of agreeing a new three-year deal.

Lawrenson claimed the England striker could be considering a switch from Anfield and believes any decision he makes will be pivotal for the rest of his career.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: “I do (believe it) because the contract talks seemed to be going well two to three weeks ago and now they seem to have stalled and he has only got a year left on his contract.

“From Michael’s point of view if he does harbour intentions of playing abroad and Madrid come in for him, I would expect him to go or otherwise he should just go and sign a lifetime contract at Anfield.

“If you turn Madrid down where do you go after that as they are the best in the world?”

Lawrenson claims the timing of the negotiations is unfortunate but unavoidable, after Euro 2004, as Liverpool prepare for tonight’s vital Champions League qualifier with Graz AK.

However, Reds manager Rafael Benitez has yet to confirm Owen in the starting line-up.

If Owen were to start he would be cup-tied for all UEFA competitions this season which would see his transfer value slump considerably.

Lawrenson claimed that if Owen were not to start it would signal that the striker could well be on his way.

He said: “I don’t see any other reason or outcome. Graz aren’t bad – they did the double in their own country last year – and you would want to play your best team and that would include Michael and Djibril Cisse.

“If he doesn’t play I think it’s P45 time.”

He believes any decision would be agonising for Owen. “It’s a case of marrying things – does he really want to play abroad? He is such a family man – he is surrounded by family and his father is involved.

“It would be a massive wrench but obviously one he is seriously contemplating.”