Brendan Rodgers did not consider Michael Owen move

Brendan Rodgers has claimed that he did not consider offering Michael Owen a return to Liverpool despite his apparent shortage of strikers.

The Reds were linked with a move for their former goalscoring hero, who was available on a free transfer after his release by Manchester United, following Andy Carroll's surprise loan switch to West Ham United.

However, to the disappointment of the Liverpool fans, Rodgers opted not to replace Carroll at Anfield, while Owen eventually signed a one-year deal at Stoke City.

Instead, Rodgers has revealed that he is prepared to put his trust in Liverpool's youth prospects, such as Raheem Sterling.

"Liverpool didn't consider Michael Owen. If we didn't get the targets that we hoped to get in the transfer window, I was going to go with what I had," Rodgers told talkSPORT.

"There's no point putting money into the academy and then not giving young players a chance. Look at the impact Raheem Sterling has made as a 17-year-old. All I've given him is an opportunity and he's gone on and taken it.

"We've got a number of other young talents and hopefully over the coming months we can see them and see how they flourish."

Owen could make his Stoke debut in their Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend.