Liverpool say Owen is not for sale

Liverpool have rubbished claims from SS Lazio that they are to mount a new offensive to sign Michael Owen.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said:

"Michael has only recently signed a new contract and is not for sale. He is going nowhere."

Owen scored his 23rd goal in 21 games on Tuesday night in a defeat in the Champions League by FC Barcelona and would cost at least £50 million to sign.

SS Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti told The Sun today: "I want Owen. He is a player I would have liked to have had at Lazio for some time now."

"Owen has the talent of an absolute champion. I think he deserves the European Player of the Year award. It won't be easy to rip him away from Liverpool - but we are going to try. Our idea is to prepare a winning squad each year, made up of champions."

Lazio boss Cragnotti met with Owen's father in 1998 to discuss a possible move to Rome but Owen signed anew five year contract with the Anfield club two months ago.

Madrid and other clubs would want Owen if he was in any way available.