by Paul C » Sat Jan 08, 2005 11:49 am
Fernando Morientes could finally be on the verge of joining Liverpool with Real Madrid reportedly agreeing to a deal of around £7 million for the striker, along with goalkeeper Cesar.
Liverpool have reportedly upped their bid for Spanish international striker Morientes to around £6.5 million, and Real have finally agreed to allow him to leave.
New Real coach Wanderley Luxemburgo had dismissed the chance of Morientes moving to Anfield, but it now seems as though they have accepted his departure as they cannot guarantee him regular first team action.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez has now also turned his attention to Real's reserve goalkeeper Cesar, and he will be involved in the deal totalling around £7 million.
Cesar is unable to get near to the starting XI at El Santiago Bernabeu with Iker Casillas settled as the club's number one.
With Cesar's contract expiring at the end of the season, Real are ready to let him move to Anfield for a small fee.
Benitez had said that he wanted an experience keeper to add to his squad with Chris Kirkland set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Cesar will now be joining Morientes on the trip to Merseyside as he finally seals his protracted move to Liverpool.
A number of other sides had thought to be on the trail of Morientes, with Newcastle and Monaco interested, but the Spaniard had set his heart on joining Benitez at Anfield.
Although new coach Luxemburgo had not wanted Morientes to leave, he was unable to offer him regular football and Real have finally decided that they will allow him to leave.