Real Madrid: Liverpool offered Owen to us

Real Madrid insist Liverpool first offered them striker Michael Owen.

Anfield chiefs, worried that Owen could leave for nothing when his contract runs out next summer, alerted Real president Florentino Perez that they were ready to sell.

A Real insider revealed to The Sun: "It was Liverpool that made the first move and contacted Madrid saying that Owen was available and invited an offer."

"It was a surprise - but it is no surprise that Florentino was immediately interested in Liverpool's offer."

"Of course Florentino Perez is delighted to be given the chance to sign such a great player."