Liverpool FC

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Reds rule out Owen return

02 Dec 2008 - 07:40:02

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ruled out the possibility of bringing Michael Owen back to Anfield.

The Reds have been linked with a potential January move for the Newcastle United striker, who Benitez sold to Real Madrid in August 2004.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at St James' Park at the end of the season and could leave in January for a cut-price fee.

But Benitez insists he is happy with the attacking options he currently has available - despite a frustrated Robbie Keane being substituted in the second half of Monday's goalless draw with West Ham following his latest blank in front of goal.

"Robbie Keane when he came off was disappointed," admitted the Spaniard.

"Players always want to be out on the pitch for 90 minutes but we were thinking of different solutions and David Ngog did well.

"We will have Fernando Torres back soon and I can assure everyone that clearly we are not going for Michael Owen. Clearly."

Meanwhile, Benitez has called for more communication with the club's owners on a night where co-owner George Gillett made a surprise visit to Anfield to witness the goalless draw.

The Spaniard has yet to sign a new long-term contract which Gillett and fellow co-owner Tom Hicks have pledged to offer.

"George Gillett is here, but there is no news yet on the contract," he added.

"We are waiting for further communication, we do not have that yet.

"We will finish our conversations soon and start thinking about football."