Michael Owen has asked England manager Sven Goran Eriksson for advice about how to resolve his career crisis.

After a month of international diplomacy, Owen's advisers, Sfx, have failed to arrange their client's transfer from Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old striker is mindful that with the 2006 World Cup Finals on the horizon, he can not afford to be sitting among the Real reserve players for the coming season.

That's why he has sought the advice of Eriksson.

Given the lack of interest from leading clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, Owen's advisers are now ready to ask Real to allow the player to leave the Bernabeu on a long-term loan deal.

That approach will be made this week and Owen is well aware that, for a number of reasons, he may end up having to sit tight and endure life as a Real reserve.

He currently sits fifth in the pecking order, behind Brazilians Ronaldo, Julio Baptista and Robinho, and Spanish star Raul.

Liverpool are believed to have reconsidered their view on Owen's return.

Trying to bring him back would gain support in the Anfield boardroom but manager Rafael Benitez does not appear to be keen on the idea. Only Newcastle have so far been prepared to offer Owen an escape route but a yearlong loan deal was rejected by both Madrid and the player.

Incredibly, Madrid have been demanding £18million for Owen. A £10m profit on the fee they paid to Liverpool last summer.

And with Owen's wages topping £100,000 a week even a loan move may prove prohibitive to some clubs.