Reds could step up striker search

Liverpool’s search for a striker continues today, following the departure of Fernando Morientes to Valencia.

The 30-year-old frmer Real Madrid forward yesterday moved to Valencia for an undisclosed fee, after failing to live up to his reputation during his 16 months on Merseyside.

Morientes managed just 12 goals in 61 games for the Reds after joining for £6.3million – and was left out of the Spanish squad for this summer’s World Cup after failing to play a major role in the Liverpool first team last season.

A statement on Liverpool’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv, read: “Everybody at Liverpool would like to wish ‘Nando’ all the best with his new club in Spain.”

Morientes’ departure, for a fee believed to be less than £3million, leaves Reds boss Rafael Benitez seeking to strengthen his squad.

Benitez has been linked with a whole host of new signings aimed at taking Liverpool closer to the Premier League crown.

Liverpool were linked with a swap deal with Valencia’s Marco Di Vaio, until the Italian forwad snubbed talk of him moving to the Barclays Premiership club.

The Anfield club have also been connected with Darren Bent and Craig Bellamy since they beat West Ham to win the FA Cup, while Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt this week claimed Liverpool have expressed fresh interest in signing him.

The 25-year-old Dutchman – also a target for Newcastle – has scored 71 goals in 101 games for Feyenoord but has consistently been priced out of a move by his club.