Owen's future depends on Gerrard

"I'm not issuing ultimatums or threats, that's not my style," he said. "But I do need to be sure we have a team that can close the gap on the top two clubs.

"I think it would be impossible to replace Stevie - he is the driving force and such a strong influence on the team. It would seriously weaken the team if he were to leave.

"I'm merely echoing what all Liverpool fans would be thinking by describing it as a catastrophe.

"They would expect the club to sign two or three world-class players with any money they received for Stevie, and I feel the same.

"I don't know what the future holds for him and I hope Liverpool would make every possible effort to keep him."