Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is disappointed to see Michael Owen sign for Manchester United.
The News of the World says Owen had delayed a decision on his future in the forlorn hope his old club would make a move. As the Manchester United doctors awaited Owen's arrival at Carrington, phone calls were being made in a bid to ignite Liverpool's interest.
Gillett was particularly keen to sign the 29-year-old, having first met Owen in the Colorado clinic where he underwent knee surgery after the 2006 World Cup.
But by Thursday, Sir Alex Ferguson's powers of persuasion had killed Owen's lingering Kop loyalties.