Benitez does u-turn on Owen?

Michael Owen could return to Liverpool after the Anfield board reportedly persuaded Rafael Benitez to do a u-turn on the England striker.

Benitez initially dismissed a move for Owen, but now the Daily Mirror say that the Spaniard will consider a deal if it's at the right price.

He has repeatedly said that he is looking for a centre-half rather than a centre-forward after spending £7m on Peter Crouch, but could now rush through an exit for Milan Baros to create space for Owen.

Real Madrid have had to lower their valuation after they had no takers at £16m and on Monday claimed that Newcastle and Manchester United had shown an interest.

Toon chairman Freddy Shepherd admitted they were interested, but Owen is said to have turned down a move to the north-east because they are not in the Champions League this season.

There was an official denial of contact from Old Trafford but The Sun claims that Sir Alex Ferguson does in fact retain an interest in Owen.