Real Madrid's Owen further away from Liverpool return

Real Madrid striker Michael Owen made a phone call to England boss Sven Goran Eriksson to discuss his future as Liverpool prepare for talks over a return to Anfield for the player.
 
Eriksson revealed: "Michael phoned me, we spoke and it is clear something needs to be done with him."

"He is usually a calm young man but he is worried about his club football in this World Cup year."

"We talked for 10 minutes and I understand his worries."

"If Michael stayed at Real and played as many games as last season, I would pick him for England. But if he never plays, it's a tricky one."

"I will be very happy the day they tell me what is happening with Michael because he is worried. He wants to know. It's troubling him."

Three options remain open for Owen - stay at Real, join Liverpool or move to Newcastle on loan.

A source close to the negotiations admitted to the News of the World: "The chances of him staying in Madrid are stronger than they were a week ago."