Real holding out for Morientes cash
Liverpool are locked in an increasingly bitter war over the future
of Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes, despite the player's
demands to be allowed to move to Anfield.
Fernando Morientes: Set for Anfield? (BarryCoombs/Empics)
Anfield boss Rafael Benitez is believed to have increased his bid
for the 28 year-old striker to £5million.
But that still appears to be not enough for the Spanish giants, who
want £7million before allowing the hitman to leave.
The deadlocked situation has raised the prospect of Manchester
City's Nicolas Anelka being an Anfield target.
But Manchester City reacted angrily to further speculation over
Anelka's future.
A spokesman said: 'This is now becoming tiresome and we will not
continue to respond to this crazy speculation. We have had no
enquiry about Nicolas Anelka.'
Sources in France today claim there has been an approach from
Liverpool and discussions on a three-year contract have taken
place. Lyon have also entered the race for Morientes and the
situation has become increasingly complicated by the fact that Real
sacked coach Mariano Garcia Remon today.
New appointment Wanderley Luxemburgo seems likely to want to sign
Brazil's latest striking sensation, Robinho.
That would push Morientes even further down the pecking order, but
the appointment of a new manager could delay a decision on the
Spanish international, who has been top of Benitez's shopping list
for weeks.
Benitez's increased bid and Morientes' demand that he be allowed to
move to Merseyside seem to have been lost on the Madrid
powerbrokers.
Liverpool will not pay £7million for Morientes, but may be prepared
to give Manchester City £6million for Anelka, who had a short spell
at Anfield under Gerard Houllier.
Anelka is only 24 and would be of more immediate benefit to
Liverpool because he could play in the Champions League for them.
Liverpool also refuse, point blank, to allow a first option clause
on Steven Gerrard to be part of any negotiations for
Morientes.
Morientes is becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation,
and in comments reported on Liverpoolfc's official website, said:
'I am going to England, I have decided.
'I will go to Liverpool and for many reasons, the main one is the
coach Rafa Benitez. He is Spanish and knows me perfectly, which is
worth a lot for a professional.
'We have asked Real Madrid to make a fast solution and I don't want
to expand any further, except to say I am already looking through
the English dictionary.'
Liverpool have also been hit by an injury to Harry Kewell, who they
hoped would be able to play in the Premiership match against
Chelsea on Saturday after missing two matches with a groin problem.
Liverpool still rule out a possible operation, but the Australian
midfielder visited a specialist yesterday and had an injection -
and will be out for between four and five weeks.
