Owen set for new Liverpool deal

Michael Owen beats the Manchester United defence

Exclusive by BBC Sport Online chief football writer Phil McNulty

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier hopes Michael Owen will add to his optimism for the new campaign by signing a new five-year contract at Anfield.

England striker Owen is now at an advanced stage in talks over a new deal that will keep him at Liverpool and end the interest of foreign admirers.

And Houllier has told BBC Sport Online that both Owen and Liverpool are keen to seal the deal.

Michael Owen scores

Owen is in the best form of his career at present, scoring a hat-trick in the 5-0 Champions League qualifying round win against Finland's FC Haka and hitting the target in the Charity Shield win against Manchester United.

He has also finally shrugged off the hamstring injuries that dogged his career for two years.

Houllier, in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Online, said: "We want to keep Michael Owen at Liverpool and Michael Owen wants to stay at Liverpool - those two things are a good start for both of us.

"We are hopeful, but we must now wait and see."

Houllier is delighted with Owen's form, believing he is reaping the benefit of his first summer of rest in five years.

Houllier hopes for good news

He said: "He has been playing every summer since 1996, apart from a summer when he was injured. He has had a rest and he has also had a very good pre-season.

"I think he should have a very good season. I think he is continuing to improve his game, and he is looking refreshed and fit.

"He has a goal ratio that speaks for itself, and he is becoming more aware of the all-round game and also aware of the team.

"Michael is also very brave and very focused on the game. He is simply different from others and he is a big asset for us."