Liverpool and Everton are ready to battle for unhappy Newcastle United striker Michael Owen.
The News of the World says the Merseyside clubs both made tentative approaches for the striker during the summer and are ready to step up their interest.
Owen's future on Tyneside is still shrouded in uncertainty with his contract now in its final year.
He has yet to commit himself to a new deal with Newcastle in a state of disarray after the exit of manager Kevin Keegan and with owner Mike Ashley seeking to sell the club.
Owen will be free to talk to other clubs during the January transfer window and will be available on a free transfer next summer if he lets his contract run down.
That will open the way for Liverpool and Everton to make their moves.