Gerrard would like to see Owen back in a Liverpool shirt

Owen joined Newcastle for �17m, while Liverpool's recognised strikers have struggled to find the net in 2006.

Gerrard told the Sunday Times: "I have a good enough relationship with Michael to know that he wanted to come here.

"I'm not going to disguise the fact we need a poacher, the problem we have got is obvious."

Liverpool have scored only eight goals in their last 13 matches and their failure to take chances cost them their Champions League title as they tumbled out of the competition to Benfica.

Owen himself made no secret of his desire to return to Anfield before moving to Newcastle and Gerrard is disappointed that Liverpool failed to cash in on that desire.

Gerrard added: "That he didn't come back here was down to Liverpool not making it happen rather than Michael not wanting to come.

Rafa Benitez told me he wanted to stay at Liverpool for 10 years Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard Preview: Arsenal v Liverpool

"Someone asked me after Wednesday's game against Benfica if I would like him back and it's a silly question. Of course I would love to have him back."

Owen scored 158 goals in seven years at Liverpool and Gerrard is convinced his return would also bring the best out of �7m signing Peter Crouch.

Gerrard said: "Peter has never been prolific and I don't think he is ever going to be.

"Peter's a target man, you'll only get the maximum out of him if you play him alongside a prolific striker and we haven't got one at the moment."

Meanwhile, Gerrard has revealed that Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is planning to stay at Anfield for the long haul.

Benitez told Gerrard his long-term plans when the England midfielder was linked with a move to Chelsea.

Gerrard told the Sunday Express: "When all the speculation was about me, Rafa told me he wanted to stay at Liverpool for 10 years.