Monaco want Real striker Morientes to stay - club sponsor

Monaco are keen to sign on-loan Spanish striker Fernando Morientes on a permanent basis, the club's Russian sponsor said on Wednesday.

Alexei Fedorychev, who heads Monaco's shirt sponsors Fedcominvest, told Sovietsky Sport newspaper the Ligue 1 club had already made an offer to Real Madrid for Morientes.

Last month, Prince Albert hinted Monaco would be unable to make the move permanent for the Spanish international because of continuing cash problems.

Fedorychev, however, said: "I can say for sure that we've sent an official offer to Real to buy out Morientes' contract. I think this fine striker will really help us in the future."

Morientes, on loan to Monaco until the end of the season, has been in prolific form, helping the French club to the brink of the Champions League final.

The striker scored the second goal to lift Monaco to a 3-1 win against his former club in last month's quarter-final, second leg.

He followed that with another key strike, his eighth Champions League goal this season, in a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their semi-final. And last he secured Monaco's final place when he scored to 2-2 in the second semi-final against Chelsea.