Owen bid rumoured by Lazio but denied by Liverpool

Liverpool have denied that SS Lazio have prepared a forty million pound package to buy teenage striking sensation Michael Owen.

The Premiership club also denied Lazio's firm belief that they had first option to buy the player when his contract expires in 2002. Lazio owner Sergio Cragnotti believes he has an arrangement with the player's father to give the Serie A leaders first option to buy Owen if he decides to leave Liverpool.

Owen is not unsettled at Liverpool and is building a new house for himself in North Wales but knows that interest from the Rome club has been ardent since last spring.

A five year deal is on offer with wages from Lazio at around the five million pound a season mark but any move seems unlikely for the England star. Rumours in Rome yesterday had a twent six million pound bid for the striker being made this week and Owen has spoken of his desire to play abroad but Liverpool know they have a good contract with the young star and he is not going to move yet.