Decision time nears for unsettled Owen

If Michael Owen had any doubts about whether or not he should stay at Real Madrid they are likely to have been dispelled after his side's opening league match against Cadiz on Sunday.

For the first time since he left Liverpool last August, the England striker was left out of the squad for a reason other than injury and had to watch from the stands together with fellow countryman Jonathan Woodgate.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo's decision to omit Owen was effectively an invitation for him to look for a way out of the club before the transfer deadline expires at midnight tomorrow.

At the same time, Luxemburgo granted new signing Robinho a debut two days after he had arrived at the club.

The 21-year-old Brazilian obliged with an electrifying performance in which he sparked a lethargic Real into life and set up a wonderful winning goal in their 2-1 victory at promoted Cadiz.

Long before his arrival at Real many believed that Robinho would oust Owen from the line-up but his devastating debut and immediate understanding with Ronaldo and Raul mean the England striker now stands almost no chance of earning a place in the first team.

In fact, Owen now finds himself in a rather tricky position.

The one club to have made an official offer for him, Newcastle United, are not his preferred option, while his first choice destination, Liverpool, have yet to decide if they really want him back.

Newcastle would be the ideal option for Real as their offer of around 22 million euros ($27.11 million) would ensure a profit of 10 million euros on the price they paid Liverpool last year.

With the money raised from selling Owen, Real could buy Sevilla's highly rated young full-back Sergio Ramos who said on Sunday he had been promised a move to the club if they made a reasonable offer.

But Liverpool will be understandably reluctant to pay much more than the price they sold Owen for last season.

Real may also be concerned about the prospect of the player wreaking his revenge if the two sides meet in the European Cup, as Fernando Morientes did while on loan at Monaco two seasons ago.

Whatever happens, Owen and his agents at SFX are likely to be working overtime for the next couple of days.