LONDON: England striker Michael Owen has spoken to three or four Premier League clubs over the possibility of a transfer from Real Madrid, he said in a statement on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old's future at the Spanish giants has been questioned after only one season at the Bernabeu following the purchase last week of Brazilian forwards Julio Baptista and Robinho.

Their arrival will move him further down the pecking order at Real where another Brazilian, Ronaldo, and Spain's Raul are the first choices up front.

"During my four days off, there have been two big signings confirmed by the club and I can understand why this has resulted in speculation about my future," Owen's statement read.

"Real Madrid contacted my advisers over the weekend and explained that they wanted me to stay but they would not stand in my way if the right opportunity arose for my return to the Premiership.

"There have been brief negotiations with three or four Premiership clubs although no formal negotiations of any kind have taken place.

"I am confident that the Real Madrid president, Senor (Florentino) Perez, will have my best interests at heart whatever happens.

"At the moment, I am preparing myself physically and mentally for the coming season and hopefully the World Cup which follows," explained the diminutive striker.

England to benefit

The England team would benefit if Michael Owen were to move to Manchester United, national coach Sven Goran Eriksson said on Wednesday.

"From what I have read and heard, it could be that Owen is going to Manchester United," Eriksson told reporters.

"I shouldn't complain if that is the case because he would be working with Wayne Rooney every day and that can only make England better," the Swede said.

"Whatever he does is up to him. I know more or less how the situation is so I don't need to speak to him.

Editor: Donald