MICHAEL OWEN is virtually certain to join Liverpool next week, despite Newcastle's attempts to sign him.
Negotiations will begin with Real Madrid after tonight's Super Cup final and look set to end next week with him returning to the European champions.
Skipper Steven Gerrard has expressed his desire to see Owen rejoin the Reds.
Speaking after yesterday's Champions League draw, Gerrard said: "Fingers crossed. It's obviously up to the Liverpool manager but everyone knows what I want."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry denied claims there was a difference of opinion between the board and boss Rafael Benitez over Owen returning, saying: "There has never been a split between us and Rafa over Michael or any other player.
"It's not a no or a yes - there has been plenty of speculation and we will see next week. It's always encouraging when a player says he wants to come to Liverpool."
The Echo revealed last month how Owen was desperate to come back to the club where he had spent his entire career before opting for a move to Spain last summer.
Newcastle's efforts to lure him to Tyneside have failed to deflect Owen from his determination to return to Anfield.
The Geordies are now on the verge of landing Deportivo La Coruna striker Albert Luque in a £9m deal.
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