Owen looks to the future

As Steven Gerrard put pen to paper on a new deal securing his services until 2007, Owen was more hesitant and appears to suggest that he will only commit beyond his current contract, which has 18 months to run, if Gerard Houllier's side qualify for the Champions League.

"In an ideal situation, Liverpool will do well this season and challenge for the league," he said. "But I really need to be playing in the Champions League and that is something we have to remedy.

"It is impossible to say about my future at Liverpool. If they are winning the league every year, there will not be any decision to make about playing abroad."

Will he stay or will he go?