The 24-year-old has a year left on his present contract and he insisted he was willing to sign a new one even though Liverpool have endured another trophyless season despite more heavy spending by manager Gerard Houllier.

They could even lose out on the last Champions League spot if Newcastle win their two last matches which climaxes with them hosting the Magpies on Saturday.

"I have the rest of this season and all next left on my contract but talks have already started on a new one," said Owen, who has been linked with Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"We will sort something out amicably next summer.

"I won't just up and leave on a Bosman," added Owen, who has had a mixed season himself scoring 15 goals in 28 Premiership appearances.

However Owen did say there was a long way to go before he settled on a new contract.

"Inevitably, the talks are complex though and don't get done in just a week.

"But I certainly see myself at Liverpool next year. Why not?

"I'm not in football for the money. And that is largely what it means when players sit out their contracts and go for free.

"I've got a reasonable collection of trophies already, but I want more and that's the main thing in my mind."

With Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expected to invest around 100 million dollars in the club, his ambition may be realised.

"If there is money coming in, maybe the club look like they mean business and are going places," he added.

However Owen said he knew Houllier expected him to move abroad at some point in his career.

"I read that the manager says he expects me to go abroad at some stage and I certainly would not rule anything out.

"I am very ambitious and want to play at the highest level but there is no reason that can't be with Liverpool."

"It is obvious the other three big clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United) have opened up a gap over us and things have to be done to bridge that.

"We certainly need to improve. Finishing fourth and getting into the Champions League is a must, but we cannot settle for that.

"When the dust settles it has still been a bad season. We have taken a step back and now we need to take two steps forward."

Owen is also looking forward to this summer's European Championships in Portugal and despite facing favourite's France in their opening fixture on June 13, he remains confident of his country's chances.

"We are one of half-a-dozen select sides who can win it," Owen said.

"France are the favourites but I'm not backing them. We are certainly not scared of them and know we are a very good side which has probably been a bit young in previous championships.

"I feel we can beat anyone on our day now."

Owen's pledge came on the day he signed a new kit and boots sponsorship deal with manufacturers Umbro, reportedly worth 15 million pounds over 15 years.