Michael Owen has taken aim at Alan Shearer and his loyalty to Newcastle United after claiming his old teammate was "inches away from signing for Liverpool".

Owen made the accusation after Shearer reacted to claims in his new book - 'Reboot'.

Among the frank revelations, Owen revealed that he and Shearer had previously been "very good friends" but their relationship turned into a nasty feud which still rumbles on today.

Responding to a sly dig from Shearer on Twitter , Owen said: "Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate.

"I distinctly remember you being inches away from signing for Liverpool after Sir Bobby Robson put you on the bench. You tried everything to get out."