A goalless draw at home to West Ham saw Liverpool go one point clear over Chelsea at the top of the Premier League, but the Anfield crowd were far from happy with the result.

Benitez has been linked with a move for former Reds ace Owen, who is out of contract at the end of the season, and is free to talk to clubs in January.

But he emphatically denied any intention of making a move for the Magpies captain.

Benitez said: "It was frustrating, and I felt we deserved to win.

"We worked from the beginning to the end trying to win. The aim was to play well, and the team did just that, much better than before.

"We were much better, and West Ham had chances only because we were attacking.

"I understand the crowd are disappointed after a home draw, but they can see we are top of the table.

"We will have Fernando Torres back soon, and I can assure everyone that clearly we are not going for Michael Owen."