Reds get the green light for Morientes
- Liverpool have been the go-ahead to sign Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes after confusion that the player could not move until the end of the season.
Not only that but we could even sign him, finances permitting, before the transfer window re-opens in January.
Current FIFA regulations stipulate that players can not transfer between countries twice in a year and Morientes was loaned out to Monaco by Real last season. However, FIFA have said that if Real mutually agree with the player to terminate his contract then he could move at any time during the season. FIFA have also said that the loan move to Monaco does not count as a transfer which would enable him to sign for Liverpool in January regardless.
Morientes has two years remaining on his current deal but if Real got shot of him now they'd save an estimated £6million in wages. Real released a "hands-off" statement to Liverpool yesterday but that's just part of their panto and if Liverpool can meet their valuation they're free to sign him. However, reports in Spain claim that the Spanish giants value him at around £8million which could cause a problem.
Rafael Benitez hinted yesterday that his hands could be tied in January when he said: "If we have money, okay, then you can sign ten players. But if you don't you work with the players you have and prepare the team the best you can. Then you work with young players and prepare for the future."
Morientes frustrated with Real
- Fernando Morientes' agent has revealed his client's frustration with Real Madrid and has hinted that a move to Liverpool during the transfer window could be on the cards, reports LFC Online.
Morientes's agent, Gines Carvajal was at Anfield on Tuesday night to see the Reds take on Deportivo La Coruna, sparking rumours that the Spaniard was Liverpool bound.
With Morientes falling behind Ronaldo, Raul and Michael Owen in the pecking order at Real the player has become annoyed at his lack of first team action and both he and Carvajal have spoken about a move to Liverpool.
"Morientes is unhappy because he does not play," said Carvajal. "If I were the coach, I would start him in some games. It is easier to give chances to people who come from outside rather than people who are home-bred. These are the consequences of playing in Madrid."
Morientes has also been linked with a move to Monaco where he spent last season on loan.
