LIVERPOOL are not in talks with Michael Owen - despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Speculation linking the Real Madrid striker with a return to Anfield has surfaced in recent days as Owen looks to secure a move back to the Premiership.
But Rafa Benitez insisted last week he is more interested in signing a centre back than a centre forward and club sources today indicated that situation has not changed.
Back-up for Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher remains the Reds boss' priority and Benitez is looking to bring in a defensive reinforcement as soon as possible.
However, with Peter Crouch ruled out for up to three weeks with a hamstring strain and suspended for the first two games of the Premiership season and Milan Baros on his way out of Anfield Benitez could be ready to reassess his attacking options.
Currently, he has only Fernando Morientes and Djibril Cisse to call on for next week's Champions League third round qualifier against CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria.
Benitez does have the option of pushing Luis Garcia further forward for that game but that would be only a short-term answer.
Crouch says he is disappointed to have picked up an injury so early in his Anfield career.
He said: "It is really frustrating to pick up an injury like that but hopefully I will be back sooner rather than later.
"I wanted to finish the game against Kaunas because I was really enjoying my home debut but I had no choice in the end and had to come off.
"It is a real disappointment for me."
Meanwhile, the Luis Figo saga came to an end today with the Portuguese international agreeing a two-year deal with Internazionale.
Liverpool had been in the hunt for the winger and Figo had spoken of his desire to move to Anfield but the former World Footballer of the Year has now completed a free transfer to the San Siro.
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