LIVERPOOL fans have been left angry and devastated by Michael Owen's extraordinary transfer to Newcastle United - but are hopeful of the striker returning to Anfield next summer.

The Magpies' sensational swoop for England's top marksman has sent supporters on Tyneside into dreamland, while their counterparts on Merseyside are reeling.

Owen held talks with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry before discussions took place with Newcastle on Monday.

But there is an accusation being hurled towards the Reds that they never tried hard enough to seal the 25-year-old's signature - bearing in mind Real Madrid wanted double the fee paid to Liverpool 12 months ago.

"The fans are all devastated. They are all gutted and wondering how on earth this could happen when he clearly wanted to come back," said the Liverpool Echo's football writer Chris Bascombe, who covers the European champions home and away.

"No fans wanted Liverpool to match Newcastle's £16m bid but everyone wanted him here and they were prepared to go to £12m. Many are questioning the strength of Liverpool's negotiations with Owen and Real.

"They have just sold Milan Baros for £6.5m so they had that money to bargain with but the fans are all wondering just how much they fought for Owen.

"But I have reason to believe that there is a £12m clause in his Newcastle contract that will allow him to leave next summer. If that's the case this could turn out to be the most expensive loan deal in history."

Newcastle's club record offer for Owen has backed Real into a corner and that, in the end, has proved Liverpool's downfall.

Liverpool sold the player for £8m and the services of winger Antonio Nunez last summer and Owen has only played a peripheral part at the Bernabeu.

There is a feeling at Anfield that Newcastle have panicked in their search for a goalscorer and paid over the odds.

"It's completely barmy," said Bascombe. "For Real Madrid to have made a 100 per cent profit in under a year is just crazy - particularly when he has hardly played.

"I really don't know where Newcastle have got the money from.

"Fair play to them but I really don't know how they are doing it.

"Real will be delighted too. They have sold Owen and the cash raised from that has basically paid for Robinho - one of the world's brightest talents. Not bad at all.

"But I also think being a World Cup year has swayed Owen's decision. He's better off playing for Newcastle than he would be battling for a place at Real."

Now all connected with Liverpool are pinning their faith in Frenchman Djibril Cisse, who will now be staying put despite interest from Marseille, Tottenham and Monaco.

"Owen maybe not be coming but who is to say Cisse won't score more goals than Owen this season?" said Bascombe.

"Liverpool paid £14m for him and he is unproven at the club because he broke his leg last season.

"He's quick and has already scored goals this season.

"Now he has the chance to make that position his own.