Curbs clarifies Portillo link

The South London outfit have recently clinched a kit deal with Spanish manufacturer Joma - who sponsor both the Real stars.

The Addicks chief travelled to Madrid for a launch celebrating their agreement, and was subsequently linked to the strike duo who also attended the event.

Curbishley admitted he had harboured hopes of luring talented youngster Portillo to The Valley on loan, but conceded Morientes was always out of the club's reach.

"We were quite keen on Portillo. He had problems at Real Madrid - they kept on signing these huge centre forwards and he was getting pushed further and further back," revealed Curbishley.

"But I think he's decided now to knuckle down and perhaps he feels that one or two of the bigger names might be leaving and he'll be pushed a bit further up the pecking order.

"We were very interested in him - he's a very good player and I think he would have fitted in nicely with us.

"But Morientes was a different kettle of fish altogether.

"I think although there has been talk of him leaving Madrid, if he ever did go it would be for massive amounts of money.

"We were only interested in taking players on loan. I think he sees himself at a bigger, better club."

The Charlton manager also declared that he was unlikely to renew his interest in Japan's Brazilian-born midfielder Alex.

The Shimizu S-Pulse star was set for a move to The Valley last but was denied by problems over his work permit, and Curbishley acknowledged that, despite maintaining an interest in the 26-year-old, any deal in the near future was unlikely.

"We were really keen on Alex, but the whole thing was a fraught with problems - not least with the work permit.

"But other things came into it like his image rights contract which only counted while he was playing in Japan, so if he was to come and play over here he would lose out on a lot of money. It was very difficult.

"But he did play well in the Confederations Cup - I saw a couple of games. So he is in the back of our minds, but we're not looking to do anything at the moment."