fyds

Thanks Dave It's so easy to be seduced or blinded by the headlines or acres of speculative print on this issue that we forget what our own factual memories and good sense tell us. We really have to stop thinking of SSN's planet football affiliated approach as being gospel. They say 'Newcastle edge closer to signing the striker they have been chasing all summer' (do they mean Anelka?) when in fact Owen's own statement makes it clear they are further away than they have ever been. I'm also very glad to see you're so confident on this along with RP, Softy and the others.

Everyone makes mistakes - in doing this, he id admitting to them. There are married couples out there who have tried a trial seperation, or even were one party has had a fling with someone else only to find it deeply unsatisfying and have come back together to be happier than they ever were. If you were Michael Owen you would not have left Liverpool. If I were Michael Owen I would not have left Liverpool. We're not, however. Thank God, ID, Karma or evolution (if you read the General) and count ourselves lucky that he has had the brains to work this out for himself.

In which case you better have a few free days on your hands... Owen met Perez and basically told him he wants to sort out a deal to go back to Liverpool asap. Perez agreed - what else could he do? WE have a first option (if I recall at a lower asking price) and they still owe us half his fee. Perz is a c*** but not stupid - he knows that as it stands, the only chance he has of off-loading Owen on a permanent deal is to Liverpool - as often stated, his first, second and third choice. Owen has clearly said he's not interested in any permanent deal at Newcastle - but will make do with a one year loan if a deal with Liverpool cannot be finalised before the deadline. That speaks volumes. Why should Rafa therefore comment publicly on Owen? He knows what the player wants and doubtless has done for a long time, so why does he need to go public? Madrid know this - and their concern in his lack of public statements on the matter only serve to sow doubt in their minds as to how much he wants him - exactly what any sensible negotiator would want to achieve - why seem too eager? Carra and Gerrard at the very least also know what he wants - in fact, what he is desperate for - they are in touch most days by mobile, Carra has said as much before now. If Rafa wants him - and I for one think his little grins and silences - not to mention his trip out to Portugal to talk to the players last year when Owen was still on the books and in his plans - speak volumes, then the board (many of whom would love to see him return, Moores is a big fan and a friend (remember the Sky documentary?) - will come up with the money - is this why we have not spent as much as we thought we would? However - they will naturally like to pay as little as possible and will play it to the wire - they know sorting a deal with Michael himself will take a few nanoseconds (this time). I think he's coming home...possibly sooner rather than later after today's various announcements.

..and we may well be looking for all we know - but you're right, we look short, stevie's niggle not withstanding. There is one possibility...Rafa may give his full backing to Biscan to make a real name for himself. I think he may pull it off too.

Understood by whom, exactly? Unattributable speculation shocker...