Owen staying at Real: Gerrard

Michael Owen’s Real ambition is undimmed – and he is determined to remain in Spain to fight for a starting role at the Bernabeu.

As the England forward continues to battle for cameo appearances off the substitutes’ bench for Real Madrid despite an encouraging strike rate in front of goal in his debut La Liga season, reports have linked him with a move back to Liverpool.

But Reds captain Steven Gerrard is convinced his England colleague is committed to making a name for himself in Spain rather than returning to Anfield.

“He loves the club and he is doing really well,” said Owen’s international team-mate, who still regularly speaks to his old Liverpool colleague by telephone.

“He wants to stay; he has settled really well and likes the city. He is scoring goals – and if he plays more, which is what he wants, then things would be even better,” he told the Daily Express.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry is also refusing to fuel speculation of an early return to Merseyside for Owen, who left last summer in a deal which saw Antonio Nunez and £8m (€11.6m) heading in the opposite direction.

The Reds retain first option to re-sign the former fans’ favourite, but Parry said: “Talk of Michael returning here or going anywhere is premature.

“He is a world-class player and won’t want to be seen as failing.”