RAFA BLOCKS OWEN MOVE

Sunday June 24,2007

Paul Hetherington

LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez has rejected the chance to give England striker Michael Owen an Anfield return.

Newcastle were prepared to trade Owen for two Liverpool players – striker Craig Bellamy and left-back John Arne Riise.

But Benitez ruled out a deal for Owen, which would also have taken Bellamy back to Tyneside.

However, Owen could still be on the move – with Manchester City and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also interested in the 27-year-old striker.