by Paul C » Fri Dec 24, 2004 11:24 am
FERNANDO Morientes has told Real Madrid he has no interest in joining Newcastle, leaving the way clear for Liverpool to complete a £5m deal during the transfer window.
Rafa Benitez is confident Morientes' determination to join the Reds can seal the transfer.
But the Anfield boss has warned his patience has a limit, and he won't pay over the odds to bring his prime target to Merseyside.
Newcastle have muddied the waters since Liverpool's £3.5m bid was lodged by declaring their interest in the 28-year-old.
However, Morientes has rejected the idea of a move North East and the player has told Madrid officials he only wants an agreement to be reached with Benitez.
Morientes' attitude is the key to the transfer proceeding and the Reds are waiting for the green light to conclude negotiations, with the striker eventually moving to Liverpool for around £5m.
Benitez says he is encouraged by what he's heard from the player.
"He is a fantastic player and I have read in the newspaper he wants to come here and would prefer to come to Liverpool," said Benitez.
"But we have a saying in Spain that you never sell the house to buy a window. You don't spend more money than you have.
"They say the player has a high price so we're still scouting the market. If it doesn't happen we'll see if we can find someone else to bring in."
Meanwhile, defender Josemi has been ruled out for the Christmas period and could be missing for a month due to a knee injury.
The right back will undergo a scan to assess whether there's cartilage damage.
Benitez takes his side to West Brom on Boxing Day still coming to terms with the culture shock of festive football.
"It's normal to play so many games over Christmas here.
It's not the same in Spain, but we understand the situation," he said.
"There are 12 points at stake so it's an important time. We can get closer to the top four.
"We know we need to improve our level away from home. We've analysed how we play at home and away and we know we aren't doing so well. It's a mental problem because the tactics are the same."
Liverpool are set to receive £3m from television rights as they are in the middle of a 13-match consecutive run where their games are screened live.
And to think the owen wanted guaranteed champions league every season 
