[lfc-news] Morientes: Anfield here I come - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 12 Jan 2005
Anfield here I come - Morientes
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

FERNANDO MORIENTES was flying into Liverpool today to sign for the Reds
- facing a race against time to be given a weekend debut against
Manchester United.

Liverpool and Real Madrid both confirmed today they had finally reached
a transfer agreement.

The 28-year-old Real Madrid strikerwas boarding a plane in Spain today
to prepare for a medical before putting pen to paper on the £6.3m
Anfield move.

That will probably take place tomorrow, giving the Reds less than 24
hours to register him with the FA and allow him to feature in
Liverpool's lunchtime clash on Saturday.

Madrid said in a statement today: "Real Madrid and Liverpool have
reached an agreement for the transfer of Fernando Morientes for a total
price of 9million euros (£6.3million).

"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 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."

Morientes' agent Gines Carvajal said: "The player has signed a four and
a half year contract and he is delighted to be joining as great a club
as Liverpool."

Liverpool confirmed: "A fee has been agreed with Real Madrid for the
transfer of striker.

"Personal terms must now be agreed and a medical arranged before the
deal is completed."

At a press conference today at Real's Las Rozas training ground,
Morientes spoke of his delight, and admitted he would relish the chance
to make his debut for the Reds against United.

"Going to Liverpool was a decision my family and I thought about a lot,"
said Morientes.

"I had several offers but the best for me and my family was Liverpool's.
"Now all I can do is hope that the medical goes well and I am registered
in time to play on Saturday.

"You can't ask for more than a debut against Manchester United."

Morientes revealed he had turned down a late offer from French champions
Lyon to move to the Barclays Premiership.

Boss Rafa Benitez indicated last night that he wanted Morientes to play
against United.

"I am not sure how the registration works in England," he said "but we
are hopeful that he can be ready for the weekend. We will use the player
as soon as possible."

Transfers cannot be concluded subject to medical any longer, so
Liverpool will have to complete the medical examination of the player
before the deal is finalised.


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