Liverpool keep tabs on Real Madrid's Owen

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Michael Owen's situation at Real Madrid.

Owen complained about the lack of regular football he has seen at Real this season, but managed to score on the weekend against Osasuna.

The Daily Post says Liverpool would have any first option on Owen under the terms of the transfer which saw him move to Madrid in August.

Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo concedes Owen is doing everything right in training. He said: "I like him a lot in training. He is always willing, ready to listen to things. He is a bit introverted, but he has got character.

"He is bound to get angry and feel sad. He is a player of the top level. He plays for his country as an automatic starter, he has been in the first team all the time for his previous club (Liverpool)."

"The problem we have is Raul and Ronaldo. But I can say Owen will play more. Raul and Ronaldo are not always going to start every game."

"Owen has to play. The line-up we have had so far is just one of many."

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen hopes Owen returns to Anfield next season.

"In a perfect world he'd come back to Liverpool," said Hansen.

"He's a Liverpool idol. His goalscoring record for them is unbelievable and I believe Liverpool would welcome him back with open arms. A partnership between Owen and Fernando Morientes would be terrific."