Owen convinced Liverpool pushing him to Real Madrid

Michael Owen is convinced Liverpool are pushing to Real Madrid.

The striker has confided with a close friend, who told The Sun: "Michael feels let down the way he has been treated over his new deal."

"He did not instigate the interest from Real Madrid and has the impression Liverpool are trying to force him out."

"Even if the Madrid move falls through, he feels it will be almost impossible for him to stay at Anfield."

"It would require Liverpool to do a complete U-turn and try to convince him to stay for the situation to change."

And Owen's friend, a close and trusted pal for many years, added: "In Michael's mind, the damage has already been done. He is upset about it, as this proposed transfer has not been driven by him."

The transfer moved closer to completion as Real president Florentino Perez and marketing director Jose Angel Sanchez met Owen's representatives in the Spanish capital.

A Real insider said: "The meeting was arranged to discuss Michael Owen and now it is up to Liverpool.

"Real have made their offer and Perez told Liverpool to make up their minds about Owen. If that happens, he could be here in 24 hours."