MICHAEL Owen believes Liverpool and Manchester City remain as Premier League title contenders following his visit to Warrington last Thursday, December 15.

The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United striker made his way to the BT contact centre at Gemini Retail Park to mark the site's 20th anniversary.

The BT pundit toured the centre, which employs 800 people, before celebrating with workers, taking part in a question and answer session, posing for selfies and handing out signed photos.

It came a day after Owen's 37th birthday – but he confirmed there were no wild celebrations the night before.

He said: "I had to go to one of my daughter's nativity plays at night so that scuppered the evening time.

"I had a few drinks at lunch with some friends and will go out in a week or so."

Owen, who netted 40 times for England during an illustrious career, is predicting a tight battle for the Premiership – but he believes the trophy could be coming to the north west, despite Chelsea's lead at the top.

He said: "At the start of the season I thought Man City probably had the best players and after 10 games I thought it was coming to the north west – Man United, Liverpool and Man City were all looking strong.

"Man United had a bit of a dip and so did Man City, with Chelsea all of a sudden starting to do very well.

"As we stand I think it is going to be Man City, Chelsea or Liverpool.

"I think Man United are too far away potentially to win it and think Arsenal will be similar to what they have been in the last decade."

Owen is no stranger to a hectic Christmas schedule but he admits this year will be one of the easiest to date.

He added: "From 17 to 33 I never had a full Christmas Day at home.

"I would see the kids in the morning for half an hour and maybe a couple of hours in the afternoon – it can't get any worse than when playing.

"Now I am having to travel and work 50 per cent less than when I was playing, which is nice."

The contact centre has recruited 181 people throughout the year and last week BT announced it will be recruiting for another 500 jobs in customer service, with Warrington being one of the key sites to benefit.