Player-plus-cash deal unlikey for Owen

Real Madrid's purported move for Michael Owen has been complicated by the defiant stance of Bernabeu boss Jose Camacho on Fernando Morientes.

While Liverpool left Owen on the bench against Graz AK in a Champions League qualifier on Tuesday to protect his transfer value, new Real coach Camacho played Morientes in Madrid's Champions League qualifier in Poland on Wednesday night.

The 28-year-old had been mentioned as a possible makeweight in a deal for Owen. However, he came off the bench to score both goals in the 2-0 win over Wisla Krakow, apparently taking himself out of any transfer equation in the process as he is now cup-tied.

Camacho said: "No-one is going to compromise my position. I put out the players who I think are ideal.

"Morientes has shown he is the alternative we are looking for, he's the striker we need to finish off games."

He added: "I've heard that people say that the deal (for Owen) was done, we're always open to improving the squad but Morientes isn't going to leave."

Another player who could have been used in a player-plus-cash deal for Owen is Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o.

Madrid own 50% of the player who has been out on loan to Real Mallorca and are believed to have blocked his £17million move to Barcelona - possibly because they wanted to use him in a deal for Owen.

But Eto'o appears determined to join the Catalan club, saying: "I feel like a Barcelona player. The deal has been delayed, but joining Barca is my overwhelming desire. For some time, I have wanted to wear the Barcelona shirt."

The only official comment so far has reportedly come from Madrid, with a club spokesman being quoted as saying: "We are pleasantly surprised that Liverpool are happy to talk about the sale of Michael Owen to Real Madrid."