Liverpool boss Benitez chooses Nunez over Real Madrid whiz Juanfran

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has chosen Carlos Nunez over Juanfran to be part of the deal that takes Michael Owen to Real Madrid.

Real could formally announce Owen's signing as early as today after agreeing terms on a transfer of around £9 million.

Juanfran was the youngster tipped to also go in the move, but given the choice of Luis Figo's understudy and Nunez, Benitez went for the latter, says the Independent.

Although Real had not been seeking to sign Owen - the initial approaches are believed to have come from SFX during Euro 2004 - they realise the value of the player to them in playing and commercial terms.