Real Can Forget Signing Owen, Says Houllier

Gerard Houllier has warned Real Madrid to forget about signing Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

The England star was linked with a £25m move to the Spanish champions in this morning's newspapers, but Houllier remains confident Owen will be staying with Liverpool.

Owen has 18 months left to run on his current contract at Anfield and Houllier is adamant the 23-year-old is close so signing a long-term deal.

"First of all, we want to keep Michael," Houllier told Sky Sports after Liverpool's 2-1 win at Fulham

"I think he is keen to stay and I am sure, at some stage, we will find an agreement."

"No-one from Real Madrid has phoned me but I won't be considering any bid as I want to keep the player."