Owen set to return for the weekend?

Real Madrid want £10m for Owen and while Liverpool are not prepared to pay that amount up front, prefering to keep their cash for a centre-back and a right midfielder, there may be a deal reached between the two clubs.

Liverpool want Owen on a year's loan before paying the £10m next summer. While Madrid may accept that deal if nobody else comes in for Owen, they would prefer Liverpool to buy Owen now and pay the £10m in installments. Madrid still owe Liverpool £3m for Owen so that would be this season's installment.