Morientes in demand as Reds increase interest

Liverpool will face competition from “several European clubs” as they increase their interest in Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

Reports suggest the Anfield club have already had a bid for the 28-year-old turned down, but the player’s agent, Gines Carvajal, insists he knows nothing of specific offers.

However it is believed Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has registered his interest in Morientes with the player’s representative.

Carvajal said: “It is certain Liverpool are interested in the player but I don’t believe there have been any concrete propositions for a transfer.

“Morientes only wants to play and today this is impossible in Real Madrid. The player is a great striker and there are several European clubs interested in him.”

There are claims that Real are demanding double the figure Liverpool are prepared to offer and the fact that the player wants his high wages matched by the Merseysiders, adds to the cost of any deal.

Liverpool, though, find themselves in a situation where any of their targets will be highly priced, because all of Europe knows Benitez must sign a striker in the January transfer window as cover for the long-term absence of Djibril Cisse.

Morientes said in the Spanish media today: “I am a player of Real and the club has the decision over my situation.

“The rumours are strong but at the moment no-one has told me anything and I have not had any direct propositions.”

Real coach Mariano Garcia Remon concedes Morientes’ frustration could signal his exit from the club in the new year.

Morientes has said he is not interested in another temporary move, having been the Champions League top scorer last season while on loan to Monaco.

He opened the door to a move to Anfield when he said recently: “To play for Liverpool would please any player and in Rafa Benitez they have a technical coach who I have always appreciated.

“But there are a lot of things to sort out. I haven’t spoken directly with Benitez but I know Liverpool want me.”

But while Benitez is searching for a new forward, Neil Mellor – currently filling the striker’s role at Anfield – is making the most of his chance to impress the Spanish coach.

His strike in the 3-1 win over Newcastle was his fifth of the season in 11 matches as he continues to confound the critics who doubt his top-level credentials.

Mellor said: “I know I am not the most attractive of players to watch but whatever I’m doing it seems to be effective.

“Since I’ve been in the side I’ve scored a few goals which hopefully the manager will make note of. I am conscious that January is just around the corner and so it may be this is my last chance.

"Everybody has been talking about the manager going out and buying a new striker and I am aware of that.

“But if I make as big an impact as I can he knows he can rely on me if I am needed at any point throughout the season.”