Juventus approach Real Madrid for Morientes

Juventus have approached Real Madrid about the availability of striker Fernando Morientes.

Morientes is being lined up by Juve management as a replacement for the crocked David Trezeguet, who has been ruled out for four months with a shoulder injury.

A swap deal has been mooted, with Real desperate for a new centre-half. Igor Tudor and Mark Iuliano are among names to have been tentatively offered to Real in exchange for Morientes.

Juve coach Fabio Capello has been a long-term admirer of Morientes. While in charge of Real Madrid, he tried to sign the striker while Morientes was with Real Zaragoza. He also asked Real for Morientes last year while coach of AS Roma.