Owen return ruled out

Transfer Speculation

Rafeal Benitez has ruled out a return for Michael Owen in the summer claims The Telegraph. Owen who left Liverpool in the summer of 2004, just weeks after Rafa took charge of the Reds will become a free agent in the summer. Benitez tried to re-sign Owen a year after he left Liverpool, still needs to strengthen his attacking options with the likes David Villa, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz constantly being speculated in the press. Speaking about the possibility of Owen mimicking Robbie Fowler’s return to Anfield three years ago he said “It is a different situation between Michael and Robbie Fowler. We were looking for a striker with his quality because we needed to improve. Michael is younger and still has years to play. At this moment, we are pleased with Torres.”

Despite several papers claiming the contrary, Rafa has also played down reports that Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano would be leaving in the summer. "I spoke with Javier and he is really happy here and really pleased to be at Liverpool. He is a key player for me. "It is the same situation with Xabi - we want to keep the key players. That is something we are very clear on."