Charlton boss confirms Real Madrid approach for Morientes, Portillo

Charlton Athletic boss Alan Curbishley has confirmed he enquired about Real Madrid strike-duo Javier Portillo and Fernando Morientes.

The Addicks boss told his club's website: "We were quite keen on Portillo. He had problems at Real Madrid - they kept on signing these huge centre forwards and he was getting pushed further and further back."

"But I think he's decided now to knuckle down and perhaps he feels that one or two of the bigger names might be leaving and he'll be pushed a bit further up the pecking order."

"Morientes was a different kettle of fish altogether. I think although there has been talk of him leaving Madrid, if he ever did go it would be for massive amounts of money."

"And we were only interested in taking players on loan. I think he sees himself at a bigger, better club."