?Well it seems that way now
I am fuming over this whole situation so close to the start of the pl what the f@ck is going on with him
OUTCAST
Owen trains with reserves after Madrid deal hits snag
MICHAEL OWEN was told to train with Liverpool's reserves yesterday as his dream move to Real Madrid hit major snags.
The England striker had hoped his Spanish switch could be completed by the weekend, with Real confirming they were in talks over a £25million-plus deal.
But last night both the potential make-weights in the deal - strikers Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Morientes - appeared to rule themselves out of moves to Anfield.
The wrangling left Kop idol Owen training with the stiffs at Melwood following his omission from the Champions League qualifier with AK Graz.
Owen had been confined to the bench to ensure he was not cup-tied and was forced to join the rest of the squad members who did not play on Tuesday as they lined up for afternoon training with the reserves.
And then things got worse as Eto'o reportedly joined Barcelona, while Morientes scored twice in Real's Champions League qualifier meaning he would be unable to play for Liverpool in Europe this season even if he was to join them.
Madrid had offered the choice of Eto'o or Morientes as a make-weight in the deal, and Anfield boss Rafael Benitez was keen to take African player of the year Eto'o, who spent last season with Mallorca.
But last night Spanish radio claimed the Cameroon star had signed for Real's rivals Barcelona - who owned part of his contract - instead.
Eto'o is expected to undergo a medical today before finalising the switch to Frank Rijkaard's side for £18m.
He said: "I want to play for Barca. I feel like a Barca player. For some time I have wanted to wear the Barcelona shirt and help them with their pre-season preparations."
Liverpool had been hoping they could persuade the striker to come to England, because they have much less interested in veteran Morientes, despite his excellent performances on loan for Monaco in the Champions League last season.
And any chance of Morientes joining Liverpool all but disappeared in Poland last night where he scored both goals for Real Madrid in the Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow.
Liverpool would prefer to take another Real player, Juanfran, who is an exciting young prospect. Even if the identity of the make-weight in the deal is resolved, there is still some haggling over the fee.
Madrid have so far only offered £4m plus a player, but Liverpool want a minimum of £10m, and only then if they can have Eto'o, who they value at £15m.
If not, then they want £25m, but Real are bargaining hard because they know Owen has just 10 months left on his Anfield contract, and can sign a pre-contract with another club in January.
It leaves some hard negotiating to be completed, but both camps are still confident they can thrash out a deal by the weekend, allowing Liverpool to concentrate on the opening of their Premiership campaign.
There could be more distractions ahead at Anfield as building tycoon Steve Morgan is back in talks with the club over an investment proposal that will see him pump in excess of £50m into Anfield.
Morgan is hoping to talk to the board next week about buying a chunk of shares, and floating the club, in a deal that will dilute the holding of chairman David Moores and allow Morgan to join the board.
Liverpool hope to complete the £10m transfer of Spanish international Xabi Alonso within the next 48 hours, after the Real Sociedad midfielder was left out of his side's visit to Osasuna last night.
