Rafael Benítez conceded yesterday that he paid over the odds for Glen Johnson, the England right back, but the Liverpool manager is more concerned about trying to avert an exodus from Anfield this summer.

Owen, 29, is currently paid £115,000 per week at Newcastle but Hull's hopes of putting together an attractive package will be boosted by his availability on a free transfer after confirming he will leave St James' Park in the near future.

Brown has promised that Hull will do their utmost to tempt Owen to head to east Yorkshire.

"Breaking the bank is not a term the chairman would be keen on but Owen's certainly someone you would push the boat out for," Brown said.

"The added value of him is that he's come to the end of his contract and he's free.

"We will be speaking to Michael's representatives within the week," Brown added.

"I would think he would have a number of offers and we'll have to be competitive.

"But I wouldn't sit down with him if I thought I was wasting my time. Anything is possible in football."

Brown is confident Owen's decision will be determined by other considerations rather than just money.

they probably cost more as there is little demand for them, hence prodcution runs are small. And those mug enough to want one will shell out.

Back in 95, I got a ManU one straight from the Theatre of Dreams from a friend who hand delivered it to HK. It only cost 40 squids