London, Aug 11: Liverpool can claim to have signed the bargain of the close season in five million pound Harry Kewell, despite a relatively quiet summer on the transfer front at Anfield.
One of the premier league's most exciting talents, Kewell was a snip in a market where West Ham's inexperienced right back Glen Johnson fetched six million pounds, even if the manner of the Australian's move from Leeds United left a sour taste.
With coveted England midfielder Steven Gerrard staying put, manager Gerard Houllier will hope his policy of continuity pays off after an unfulfilling 2002-03 season.
Despite winning the league cup with a memorable win over Manchester United, Liverpool's league form deserted them in the second half of the campaign and they finished by missing out on the champions league after a last-day defeat by Chelsea.
Fifth place was not good enough for a club that has won a record 18 English league titles.



England striker Michael Owen says Liverpool will approach the new season with an added sense of urgency and one goal in mind -- to win the championship for the first time since 1990.



''There is an extra significance to this season. We want to reach the top and win the league,'' Owen said on his club's website earlier this month.



''You don't get a million and one chances as a manager or a player to do that and we need to do it quite soon. Everyone wants this season to be the season.



''Players only have a short shelf life. I have been playing for six to seven years now and am probably halfway through my career without winning the league.



''You think it is going to be next year or maybe the one after that and, suddenly, the time has gone.''


Bureau Report