Michael Owen admits that he would like to return to Liverpool.

The former Anfield hero says he would prefer to return to Merseyside if he can’t be guaranteed more first team action at Real Madrid.

Despite a brave effort in Spain, Everton’s Champions League adventure ends at the first hurdle.- Michael Owen admits that he would like to return to Liverpool. The former Anfield hero says he would prefer to return to Merseyside if he can’t be guaranteed more first team action at Real Madrid. In World Cup year, if the return to a red shirt isn’t possible, he would be prepared to go on a season’s loan to Newcastle United.

- Despite a brave effort in Spain, Everton’s Champions League adventure ends at the first hurdle. They lose 2-1 at Villarreal so go out 4-2 on aggregate. It could have been a different story though if leading ref Pierluigi Collina had not controversially disallowed a Duncan Ferguson ‘goal’. The Toffees now go in to the UEFA Cup but Manchester United are safely through to the group stages. They duplicate their 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the second leg in Hungary against Debrecen.

- Normal service is resumed in the Premiership with Chelsea sweeping past West Bromwich Albion (4-0) to back to the top. Arsenal also hit four (4-1) against Fulham at Highbury. Newcastle United’s troubled start continues with a 2-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers while Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur battle out a 0-0 draw.

- Another Championship club goes out of the Carling Cup. Derby County are beaten 1-0 at Pride Park by League Two Grimsby Town.