Owen move very unlikely

Michael Owen's move to Spain looks more and more unlikely following events on Wednesday night.

The England international looked poised to leave England for the sunny shores of Spain, with Real Madrid and Barcelona known to be interested in his services.

The speculation increased after he was left on the bench for the Reds' 2-0 Champions League qualifying win against Graz AK on Tuesday - meaning he wouldn't be cup-tied in Europe.

But the proposed moves for Owen fell apart last night.

Reports had claimed that Real would pay £10million plus either Fernando Morientes or Samuel Eto'o, while Barcelona were ready to offer a straight £20million deal.

However, with the latter having completed the signing of Eto'o on Wednesday night, they are all but out of the picture, as is one option for Real.

And the other option also went out the window after Morientes played and scored twice in Los Merengues' 2-0 win against Wisla Krakow, making him cup-tied and a way less attractive option.

That means Liverpool will have to double their efforts to get Owen to sign a new deal, or lower their valuation and allow other buyers to enter the race.