Barca chase Owen

[Hermes]

Barca drop Owen hint
Saturday, 24 April 2004

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has hinted that the club could be lining up a summer move for Liverpool striker Michael Owen.
Reds boss Gerard Houllier is desperate to keep Owen at Anfield, and has started initial talks with the England star over a new deal.

Liverpool's worry over the future of their top marksman will not be helped by Rijkaard hinting that the Catalan giants are in the market for a new striker.

The Dutch coach has hinted that Owen could be the man that they are looking to lure to Camp Nou during the summer.

"We need a fast striker who is also technical and knows how to create numerous goalscoring opportunities," Rijkaard told the Daily Mail.

"Am I referring to Owen? What do you think?"

Liverpool take on Manchester United on Saturday desperate for three points to get their fourth place challenge back on track.

Fans fear that Owen will leave Merseyside should they not qualify for the UEFA Champions League - and Barca's apparent interest will only heighten the nerves surrounding Owen.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have moved to dismiss reports that Porto coach Jose Mourinho has been offered the job of managing the club.

"Contrary to press reports, Liverpool have not made any approach or offer to Porto coach Jose Mourinho," said Reds chief executive Rick Parry.

"The story is simply not true."

.................................................. .................................................. ..
Not sure about the "technical" description though, has he seen his first touch?

[dave u]

His first touch with his back to goal isn't the best, but maybe Barca would play to his strengths and give him balls to run onto? Remember, like we used to do?

[MLB]

His first touch is also terrible if it's a shot. He hasn't improved much since he was 17 - if anything he's gone backwards. But he's still the best striker we've got and we should pull out all the stops to keep him (unless the offer is a silly one.)

[Al Campbell]

Does the fact that Owen is advertising next season's kit in those Abbey Road pictures mean anything?

[Will M]

If you play the Anfield Rap backwards it says "Owen is dead , Owen is dead"

Apparantly.



Will M