Liverpool striker Michael Owen’s move to Real looks to have hit a snag, according to reports.
Owen’s transfer to Real looked a formality after the England striker was omitted from Liverpool’s Champions League game against Graz AK.
But reports say a £25m deal for Owen, who trained with Liverpool’s reserves on Wednesday, is in danger of collapse.
Liverpool were thought to be prepared to accept £10m plus either Fernando Morientes or Samuel Eto’o, but with Morientes on target for Madrid in their Champions League win over Wisla Krakow, and Eto’o determined to join Barcelona, the move seems to have reached an impasse.
Real, who own 50% of Eto’o, have alienated the Cameroon striker with their attempts to thwart his move to Barcelona.
“For some time I have wanted to wear the Barcelona shirt,” he said.
“But until now that hasn’t been possible because of the continual obstacles placed in my path by a club that you all know well, a club that I don’t want to return to because they never showed any faith in me.”
New Real coach Jose Antonio Camacho also added after the match: “There are no plans relating to Morientes leaving the club.”
Regarding Owen, Camacho added: “I’ve heard that the decisions have been made.”
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez refused to comment on the possibility of Owen moving.
“At the moment Michael is one of our four forwards,” said Benitez.
“I don’t want to say anything else – I’m sorry.”
“I always play my best players and I decided on my starting XI and Owen was not in it,” Benitez said.
“It was simple, I chose Baros and Cisse to play.
“I understand you want to talk about Owen, but for me the important thing is that we played well and won.
“I do not talk about the future.”
