 LIVERPOOL yesterday proudly announced the arrival of a striker once courted by Manchester United. For many of their supporters, however, it wasn't quite the name they were anticipating. Of course, 19-year-old Ramon Calliste - who was in fact released by the Old Trafford outfit at the end of last season - has plenty of time to blossom into a new Anfield hero. But it was Michael Owen who was playing on the hearts and minds of the Liverpool faithful as a seemingly interminable transfer saga finally reached endgame. The outcome was one that, in truth, practically no-one had predicted. Even the most biased Geordie - and there are an awful lot of those - was left rubbing their eyes in disbelief as the news flashed across their television screens yesterday morning. Michael Owen has agreed to join Newcastle United. That same sense of incredulity quickly spread throughout Liverpool supporters who were convinced the 25-year-old was certain to return to the home where he forged his reputation. That feeling soon turned to anger at how this could have happened. What on earth was Owen thinking? And what were Liverpool doing in not pulling out all the stops to ensure his signature? Owen desperately wanted to come to Anfield, that is known. And while Liverpool reciprocated, the fact is that it was only ever going to be at the right price. The Spaniards valued the striker at £8million when they snatched him from Liverpool last season. So is it little wonder Rafael Benitez baulked at the suggestion of paying twice that for a player who was deemed surplus to requirements by Madrid? That was never going to happen. Liverpool kept their counsel until earlier this week when the acceptance of Newcastle's mammoth £17m bid forced their hand. But with the bar raised, Liverpool were reliant on Madrid ceding to Owen's personal preference. Understandably, the Bernabeu board were ultimately not bothered where the player went provided they received top dollar for his services. Liverpool held firm, as did Madrid. So with Owen having already decided he must leave Spain to protect his international prospects in World Cup year, it left him with one place to go - effectively, his last resort. Indeed, it could be argued that it is the Magpies' move that has scuppered Owen's dream of a reunion with Liverpool. | 
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