Liverpool braced for Owen deal talks

Gerard Houllier has revealed that Michael Owen will begin contract talks at Liverpool within weeks and believes that his key striker will commit his future to the club.

Owen was reportedly incensed by comments over his future by his advisers at SFX that he will leave the club if they fail to secure a Champions League place.

Houllier is adamant that Owen, 24, will stay beyond the end of next season, when his current deal runs out.

Houllier said: "There will be discussions in the next couple of weeks and I'm very confident about the outcome. I know the boy and it's my opinion that he will remain here."

It is claimed today that Owen took exception to the warning from SFX chairman Jon Holmes that the striker would have to move on if Liverpool did not finish at least fourth this season.

The player has repeatedly stated his wish to stay and Houllier has also consistently maintained that he expects his talisman to sign a new four-year deal.

A meeting with Owen, who is hoping to launch his comeback from a thigh injury against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight, is set to take place at the end of the month, with further talks to follow.

He will be joined by his adviser Tony Stephens, who is on a sabbatical from SFX, in negotiating the contract.

Owen, however, may now quit the organisation when his contract with them expires in July. His father, Terry, is set to begin overseeing his affairs.

Houllier will again be without midfielder Steven Gerrard tonight while Emile Heskey is expected to replace Florent Sinama-Pongolle.