Toon out to scupper deal for Morientes

From The Liverpool Echo: Toon out to scupper deal for Morientes

Dec 22 2004

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

NEWCASTLE are trying to sabotage Liverpool's bid for Fernando Morientes by making their own move for the striker.

But Anfield boss Rafa Benitez won't get involved in a bidding war and will switch his attention to Nicolas Anelka if the situation drags on.

Morientes (left) met Real President Fiorentino Perez yesterday to plead to be allowed to join Liverpool.

But Perez is adamant the Reds' £3.5m bid isn't acceptable and continues to overprice the 28-year-old.

A showdown meeting involving Morientes, Perez and the player's agent, Gines Carvaja, took place in Madrid.

Morientes was told he can leave the Bernabeu, but only at the right price.

Madrid still haven't officially rejected Liverpool's first bid for the Spaniard and appear to be trying to inflate his value by involving other clubs.

Madrid officials told the player both Newcastle and Monaco are prepared to pay more than the £3.5m on the table.

There is even a suggestion Geordies boss Graeme Souness is ready to bid as much as £10m for the 28-year-old.

Liverpool are sure to increase their offer to £5m if Real indicate they'll allow Morientes to move to Anfield, but won't go beyond this fee.

The £7m price tag orginally placed on Morientes' head is seen as ridiculous given his age and he has only 18 months left on his contract.

Benitez thinks the ball is in the player's court and his next move will be influenced by how much he feels Morientes wants to come to Anfield.

Until last night, all the indications were the striker is desperate to join the Reds, but Liverpool hoped the meeting in Madrid would resolve the situation.

That hasn't happened, and any hint Morientes is willing to discuss a transfer elsewhere will lead to Benitez ending his interest.

Benitez has other options, and an alternative swoop for Anelka shouldn't be ruled out.

Anelka is desperate to return to Anfield and there is an increasing momentum heading in his favour.

The French striker is attractive because he is younger, proven in the Premiership, and isn't cup-tied for the Champions League.

Liverpool would like to take Anelka on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a transfer this summer, but City could accept £6m in January.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are not interested in Laurent Robert, despite a speculative report this morning.