Monaco coach dismissed link with Real Madrid's Morientes

Recent reports have been linking Real Madrid front man, Fernando Morientes, with a January loan-deal to French side Monaco.

Morientes spent the whole of last season on-loan at Didier Deschamps side, helping them reach the champions league final.

But Deschamps, a keen admirer of Morientes' abilities, said: "It is very regrettable to see Fernando on the bench with Madrid, but he will not come back to Monaco."

With Monaco seemingly ruling themselves out of the running for Morientes, it leaves Liverpool the firm favourites to capture his signature in the transfer window.