Anfield show interest in Miguel and Owen

The European champions are Owen's destination of choice if he leaves the Bernabeu this summer, although the manager Rafael Benitez's reticence to sanction a return for the England international has stalled any response from Liverpool. Anfield officials, however, are keen to re-sign Owen without infringing on Benitez's transfer budget, which has prioritised a new centre-half and right midfielder, and will register an interest providing Madrid sanction a loan deal and the 26-year-old agrees to a dramatic wage cut.

Miguel is currently in dispute with Benfica over whether or not he signed a new contract with them. The 25-year-old, who can play anywhere across the right-hand side, is trying to negotiate a free transfer from the Portuguese club who are demanding a fee of around €10m (£6.8m).

The dispute cost Miguel a move to Juventus this summer and he is training with Fulham while his agent tries to negotiate a transfer to a Premiership club.

West Bromwich Albion are closing in on the signature of the Wigan Athletic striker Nathan Ellington - and hope to tie up a £3m deal over the weekend.

The 26-year-old England midfielder, Kieron Dyer, has signed a new four-year contract at Newcastle.