Duo close to Madrid moves
Real Madrid are hopeful of completing the signing of Patrick Vieira by the end of the week as the club confirmed they have begun negotiations to buy Michael Owen.
Vieira remains the Spanish club's top transfer target, with Real close to agreeing a £24million fee with Arsenal, but they are also considering a move for Owen after being contacted by Liverpool.
The England striker has just 10 months remaining on his contract and Liverpool are happy to sell in order to prevent him leaving for nothing next summer.
Owen has made clear his desire to leave Anfield by stalling over a new contract and the club appear happy to fulfil his wishes, contacting Real Madrid to confirm his availability.
A Real official confirmed: "We are pleasantly surprised that Liverpool are happy to talk about the sale of Michael Owen to Real Madrid. It was Liverpool who made the first move. They contacted Madrid saying that Owen was available and invited an offer." Liverpool may have to accept a £10m transfer fee for Owen, who was rested from Tuesday's Champions League win over Grazer AK to prevent him becoming cup-tied, after two potential swap deals fell through yesterday.
Fernando Morientes seems destined to stay at the Bernabeu after coming off the substitutes' bench to score twice in yesterday's 2-0 win over Wisla Krakow in Real's qualifying game, while Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, in whom Real have a part share with Real Mallorca, is on the verge of joining Barcelona.
