Himalayan News Service

London, July 11:

Spanish giants Real Madrid are willing to swap England’s Michael Owen for the services of English defender Rio Ferdinand. The deal could see England’s leading striker return to the English Premiership to don the colours for Manchester United, for whom Ferdinand is currently playing, while the defender could be an answer to Madrid’s defence worries, The People reported.

The daily said: “Real want to swoop for the United defender to solve a crisis of fit centre-halves and they believe Owen is the perfect bait. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on pairing Owen with Wayne Roo-ney and he knows Ferdinand’s future at Old Trafford is in real doubt.” With Brazilian football’s hottest property Robinho speculated to be heading to Madrid, Owen is considered dispensable.