Owen signs as new centreback

Rafa Benitez's struggle to bring in a defender as support for Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia finally ended today when Michael Owen was signed from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee.

The former Anfield favourite was delighted to be back with his old teammates, saying, "I'll do anything to play for Liverpool. Whatever position the gaffer puts me in, I'll run my little socks off."

Benitez showed Owen off to reporters, inviting them to walk around his 'mini-colossus' in the dressing room. He added that the England international has, "A good touch with his head for a small man."