Reds strike Real deal

Real Madrid have agreed a £6.3 million deal with Liverpool for Fernando Morientes.

The move has turned into a hugely protracted affair after weeks of speculation, but the transfer should now go through in the very near future.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been chasing the Spain international for some time having lost Michael Owen to Real last summer, and Djibril Cisse to long-term injury.

Morientes came close to moving to Anfield as part of the deal that took Owen in the opposite direction, but ultimately chose to stay and fight for a place at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, he has once again again found his opportunities limited in the Spanish capital this term, and subsequently decided to end his eight-year spell with Real.

"Real Madrid and Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Fernando Morientes to the English club for a total price of ‚é¼9 million," read a statement on Real's official website.

"This afternoon the player will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical that he will have to take tomorrow morning.

"The club has also confirmed today (Wednesday) that Fernando Morientes, accompanied by (vice president) Emilio Butragueno and (sporting director) Arrigo Sacchi will hold a press conference to announce his departure to the Premier League."

'El Moro', as he is known, should now be a Liverpool player by Thursday at the latest, and could well make his Reds bow in this weekend's clash with Manchester United at Anfield.