Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez said on Saturday that Newcastle's Michael Owen may someday return to Anfield.

"I can see him returning to Anfield one day," BBC Sport quoted Benitez as saying.

"He's a top player and every club is always interested in signing good players. We tried to sign him right until the end."

The statement of the Spanish coach comes just one day ahead of Liverpool's clash with Newcastle, the first match for former Reds' striker Owen at Anfield since leaving for Real Madrid two seasons ago.

The English international couldn't find a place in Real's starting line-up so he opted for a comeback to England in fear of losing his spot in the English national team in the 2006 World Cup.

Owen was tipped to re-sign for Liverpool but Benitez said that there were four factors that blocked his move back.

"(These were) the price, the time scale, Michael's decision and also that we already had good strikers here.

"He wanted to play every week and I respect that decision. I never guarantee any player he will play every week," he added.