Real Madrid make Liverpool's Owen next galactico

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has made Liverpool striker Michael Owen the galactico he wants to sign in the summer.

As he did with David Beckham, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo, Perez intends to focus all attention on prising England ace Owen away from Anfield over the coming months.

A Madrid insider told the Mirror yesterday: "Perez was torn between Henry and Owen but he's now decided that Owen is the one and the only question is whether they go early or wait and hope that the price does not rise."

"Madrid fear that if England don't do well at Euro 2004 the fans will not be happy if they have signed Owen before the tournament. But Perez knows that he's the striker that they need."

The source added: "If you ask Madrid they will deny any interest in Owen."

"But remember Perez said he would 'never, never, never' sign David Beckham."