Fernando Torres believes Michael Owen could still cut it at Anfield should Liverpool express an interest in the Newcastle striker.
Owen is all-but certain to leave St James' Park in the summer, but the soon to be out of contract hit-man is remaining tight-lipped on where his future lies.
Given his struggles to stay clear of injury during his time in the North East it has been suggested Owen may struggle to attract suitors from the higher echelons of the Premier League.
Torres, though, is well aware of Owen's place in Liverpool folklore and is convinced the England international, currently out of favour with Fabio Capello, could still do a job at the highest level.
Liverpool have been tentatively linked with a player who scored 118 goals in 216 appearances during a stint on Merseyside between 1996 and 2004.
Anfield legend
"I know that he is a big part of the history of this football club and that the fans at Anfield loved him," said Torres in the Daily Mail.
"I have no idea where he will be playing next season, but I am convinced that he still has a lot to offer.
"He has been unlucky with injuries in recent years and I know how frustrating that can be, but he has a natural instinct in front of goal and you don't lose that just because you have been injured."
Owen is not the only big-name to be linked with a move to Anfield, with Liverpool having had an offer for Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson accepted by the South Coast outfit.
Johnson backing
Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the hunt to land the in-form full-back and Torres believes should Liverpool fend off interest from elsewhere, they will have landed a player capable of stepping up to the level expected at a top four side.
"We have total trust in the boss and we will trust whoever he brings in, but yes, Glen Johnson has had an excellent season," he added.
"He has established himself as the first-choice right back in what is now an England team playing very good football.
"He is used to playing top-four football, so there would be no issue about him making the step up."
Owen is all-but certain to leave St James' Park in the summer, but the soon to be out of contract hit-man is remaining tight-lipped on where his future lies.
Given his struggles to stay clear of injury during his time in the North East it has been suggested Owen may struggle to attract suitors from the higher echelons of the Premier League.
Torres, though, is well aware of Owen's place in Liverpool folklore and is convinced the England international, currently out of favour with Fabio Capello, could still do a job at the highest level.
Liverpool have been tentatively linked with a player who scored 118 goals in 216 appearances during a stint on Merseyside between 1996 and 2004.
Anfield legend
"I know that he is a big part of the history of this football club and that the fans at Anfield loved him," said Torres in the Daily Mail.
"I have no idea where he will be playing next season, but I am convinced that he still has a lot to offer.
"He has been unlucky with injuries in recent years and I know how frustrating that can be, but he has a natural instinct in front of goal and you don't lose that just because you have been injured."
Owen is not the only big-name to be linked with a move to Anfield, with Liverpool having had an offer for Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson accepted by the South Coast outfit.
Johnson backing
Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the hunt to land the in-form full-back and Torres believes should Liverpool fend off interest from elsewhere, they will have landed a player capable of stepping up to the level expected at a top four side.
"We have total trust in the boss and we will trust whoever he brings in, but yes, Glen Johnson has had an excellent season," he added.
"He has established himself as the first-choice right back in what is now an England team playing very good football.
"He is used to playing top-four football, so there would be no issue about him making the step up."
