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After yesterday's biggest transfer of the summer - Samuel Eto'o's move to "Barcelona" - soon the football world could be shaken by another somewhat unexpected player transfer.
In Spain, highly respected sports newspaper "AS" claims that Madrid has already agreed with England's national team star Michael Owen for his transfer to the royal Spanish club.
According to the newspaper, a "close club source" confirmed that "Liverpool" will receive a sum of 12 million euros for their star, along with one or two "Real" players. Among the candidates to move to Liverpool, right-back Antonio Nunez and forward Juanfranas are mentioned. Both players are members of the Spanish U-19 national team. Earlier rumors also mentioned the names of forwards Fernando Morientes and Samuel Eto'o, but one has already played in the Champions League, while the other moved to "Barcelona."
"AS" claims that Owen will be officially presented as a "Real" player today or tomorrow. In the royal club, he will join his fellow countryman David Beckham.
Meanwhile, "Real" negotiations with London's for defensive midfielder Patrick Vieira seem to be stuck. It is believed that "Arsenal" is asking for a sum that "Real" is not willing to pay. After unsuccessful negotiations for the Frenchman, "Real" will likely try to acquire San Sebastian star Xabi Alonso, who also plays in a defensive midfielder position and has represented the Spanish national team several times.
If Owen moves to the Spanish capital's club, he will become the fourth world-class forward in the royal club. "Real" already has Brazilian national team star Ronaldo and Spanish national team attacking leaders Fernando Morientes and Raul.
[Updated]
"Liverpool" coach Rafael Benitez confirmed that his team's star Owen is moving to "Real" Madrid. The English club will receive 13 million euros and defender Antonio Nunez for the English forward.
"When I arrived here, there was only one month left on his contract. "Real" knew that and started talking to his agent, and later this situation could not be controlled anymore," said Benitez.
Meanwhile, defender Patrick Vieira announced that he will remain at his current club, London's "Arsenal." The Frenchman said he loves the English championship and does not want to switch to anything else.
"I am staying at the club. I spent the summer thinking about my future and a possible move to "Real," but my love for "Arsenal" and the relationships I have here are too strong for me to break them," Vieira said.
[Updated]
The official "Liverpool" website confirmed this transfer. The details are not disclosed, but as before, it is believed that Liverpool will receive about 12 million euros and Antonio Nunez.
English club coach Rafael Benitez added that both players - both Nunez and Owen - still need to undergo medical examinations and will only then be officially presented at press conferences.
[Updated]
Yesterday late at night, Englishman Michael Owen successfully underwent a health check-up lasting almost three hours.
Officially, the player will be presented to the club's fans at "Santiago Bernabeu" stadium on Saturday, 14:00 Lithuanian time.
