Lyon's Houllier aims to beat Man Utd for Owen

Lyon coach Gerard Houllier is ready to take advantage of Manchester United's waning interest and swoop for Real Madrid striker Michael Owen.
 
But Owen is not keen on a move to France to join his old Liverpool boss and still hopes Manchester United will make an £12million bid.

United manager Alex Ferguson is cooling on the idea, though, which could leave Owen in limbo.

Real boss Vanderlei Luxemburgo last night cleared the way for Owen's exit - if he refuses a bit-part role at the Bernabeu.

Luxemburgo said: "Anyone who isn't happy will have the opportunity to leave. I don't want to see angry faces here."

"Everyone should be content because, if we are not, we will not be able to construct a winning team."