Real deal for Owen but hitch over Vieira

Real Madrid are expected to confirm the arrival of Michael Owen today – but Patrick Vieira’s proposed move to the Spanish giants looks to have hit a snag.

Sources in Spain suggest the fee for Owen is only £8m (€11.9m), plus young right-sided midfielder Carlos Nunez. Liverpool have also been linked with another Madrid youngster, Juanfran.

Owen had always maintained he would not leave on a free transfer next summer at the end of his contract, but he was unwilling to sign a new deal and Liverpool were intent on selling him before the transfer window closed.

They are believed to have approached Real, which has meant them being forced to accept the fee on offer.

Benitez wanted the saga sorted out after being shocked to find negotiations have been stalling for the past 16 months.

However, while Owen’s move now looks certain to go through, Arsenal midfielder Vieira could be starting the season at Highbury.

Reports from Spain overnight suggest the Primera Liga club have broken off negotiations.

Spanish newspaper As reported on their website that Real were unhappy because the fee had risen sharply, supposedly up from £22m (€32.8m) to £25.5m (€38m), plus £3.4m (€5m) in bonuses. Yet with a lack of official comment from the club the move was still shrouded in mystery.

How well Arsenal could cope with Vieira’s potential departure for around £23m (€34.3m) is the question that could hold the key to Arsenal’s season.

However, the Frenchman will be missing from Sunday’s game at Everton in any case due to a persistent thigh injury.