Liverpool step up push for Real Madrid's Morientes

Liverpool are pressing ahead with their bid for Real Madrid centre-forward Fernando Morientes.

Djibril Cisse's season-ending injury over the weekend has convinced Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez to do all he can to bring Morientes to Anfield in January.

Spanish press reports state Morientes' agent, Gines Carvajal, held more talks with Liverpool officials during the week.

While insisting publicly that Morientes is not for sale, Real president Florentino Perez is believed to be ready to listen to offers starting at £8 million for the striker.

The form of Michael Owen and also potential return from loan at Fiorentina of Javier Portillo has convinced Perez that he can cash in on Morientes when the transfer window opens.