Morientes signs Reds deal

Liverpool have completed the signing of Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid.

Liverpool have completed the signing of Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid.

Morientes has penned a three-and-a-half year deal at Anfield after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

The Spanish international is expected to be unveiled on Friday.

Liverpool finally agreed a £6 million deal for their long-term target on Wednesday after chasing him since last summer.

Morientes is in line to make his debut in Saturday's clash with Manchester United live on Sky Sports 1.

"Fernando Morientes completed his medical and signed a three and a half year contract with Liverpool Football Club on Thursday afternoon," read a club statement.

"The former Real Madrid striker underwent a medical on Thursday morning and put pen to paper on a deal just before 5pm on Thursday."

Manager Rafa Benitez was delighted to finally seal the deal, and expressed his hope that Morientes could become a key player in England.

"He is important to us. He is good in the air, he is a good finisher and can shoot with both feet," Benitez told the club's official website.

"We need a target man with experience - for the supporters, for the team and for the players.

"He is not the quickest but he can play with (Milan) Baros and they could form a good partnership because one is good in the air and the other is quick.

"He also has the mentality to go straight into a game like Saturday's if necessary."