Rafa issues Moro ultimatum

Rafa Benitez has set a deadline on the protracted move for Fernando Morientes.

The Reds have made Morientes their top target for this month's transfer window as they look to bolster their attack.

Morientes' future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time now with a number of clubs expressing an interest in the Spanish international.

The recent appointment of Wanderley Luxemburgo had raised doubts over whether or not they would be willing to let Morientes leave, but Benitez remains optimistic of landing the striker although he has warned Real he will not wait around for the player.

"I said last week that it was a holiday in Spain and now we don't have any news and the only thing we can do at this moment is wait," said Benitez.

"We need to wait, but we cannot wait forever, we will wait maybe two more days before looking for another player.

"I am always optimistic and I think in a few days or a few hours we will know more things and I'm sure we will have possibilities.

"I have a lot of confidence because he says he either wants to play for Liverpool or to stay at Madrid.

"We do not have anything new on Morientes, other than that we know he wants to come here.

"We have done the right things but we must wait for Real Madrid to decide.

"At this moment we are only talking about Morientes with Madrid, not anyone else there.

"And I can only make it clear, we do not want to sell Steven Gerrard."

Benitez also played down talk that he is interested in Real Madrid's reserve goalkeeper Cesar.

Reports emanating from Spain have claimed that Benitez wants to take Cesar along with Morientes from Real in a double deal, but the Reds boss insists he is in no rush to bring in a new goalkeeper.

"We are not in a hurry for a keeper, we have to wait and see the options and after that we will decide," added Benitez.

"Sure I am looking for players in England.

"The first idea is to look here in England, but if you don't find the players or if they are too expensive you have to look to other leagues and for me I look at the Spanish league."