Article: Rafa planning Owen return

Source: teamtealk.com (by way of Daily Mirror)

Rafa planning Owen return

Rafael Benitez has suggested he would like to bring England striker Michael Owen back to Liverpool from Real Madrid if Milan Baros is sold.

The Reds boss has previously been cagey about the prospect of Owen returning to Anfield just a year after departing for the Bernabeu in an £8m deal.

But now Benitez has given the first indication that the Reds are willing to take Owen back.

Benitez told The Mirror: "I'm aware that Michael would like to come back.

"I don't know if we can do something because we're waiting for a good offer for Milan Baros.

"But he's a good player and I like him. I never had any problems with him. He's a nice boy, a good professional and a very good player."

It is believed Liverpool want Owen on loan for a year first, with a view to a full transfer next summer.

That is because Benitez wants to use the money from the impending sale of Baros to buy a right winger or centre-back.

"We have 20 more days and we expect to get them in by then," added the Spaniard.

"I could say yes or no about Owen, but we must receive a good offer for Baros before we can proceed."

-- Dan