Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed he considered signing Michael Owen this summer, but came to the conclusion that he would not command a regular first-team place. The 29-year-old has since signed for chmapions Manchester United, despite eight successful seasons at Anfield when he scored 158 goals in all competitions.

Owen moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer from Newcastle.

Benitez told The People: "We had contact with different people and were analysing the situation.

"But if you want to play Torres and Gerrard there is not always a lot of space for other players.

"When I brought back Robbie Fowler it was a different situation. We were looking for someone who could understand his role clearly and he was a good finisher.

"But we have a World Cup coming up and all the top players want to play. In his position it would be hard for Owen to play every week at Liverpool."

The Spaniard is also confident he already has enough squad depth at his disposal to cope with any injuries to his preferred front pairing.

"We are confident in (Dirk) Kuyt, (Ryan) Babel, (David) Ngog and (Andriy) Voronin for next season. We have players with quality," he added.

"People say I might need another striker but I remember signing Robbie Keane and everyone was saying good things.

"Then after I sold Robbie people were saying I was short of strikers but we scored more goals than anyone in the Premier League."

Benitez has also revealed he received "very big offers" for Torres this summer.

Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid have been linked with a big-money move for the Spain striker, while team-mates Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano have also been in demand this summer.

But Benitez is in no mood to weaken his squad by cashing in.

"We have had some very big offers for some of our key players this summer - and that includes Fernando Torres," he said. "Clubs wanted Fernando and we were contacted by agents working for those clubs

"But we always knew that when a bid came in we would say 'no'.

"The main thing was that Torres wanted to stay here. People knew the player wanted to stay, but it did not stop clubs trying.

"We wanted to send out a message that Liverpool are a strong team and that we want to improve. You don't improve by selling your best players."

Benitez is expected to meet with Alonso and Mascherano in the coming week to ensure they are both committed to another season at Anfield.