Owen won't return

Various reports had implied that a return for Owen to Anfield could be on the cards, but Benitez categorically denied any desire for an extra striker.

He said: "I am looking for a centre back and not a centre forward."

"We have a lot of strikers who I am happy with and for me the most important thing at the moment is to protect Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher," he added.

It now seems likely that the most liklier pursuer of Owen's signature will be officials at Old Trafford, with Malcolm Glazer saying that the funds are available should Alex Ferguson wish to bid.