Morientes closer to Liverpool move

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez remains in the hunt for Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

The Spanish international's move to Anfield is becoming more likely after Real officials held talks with Fiorentina on Sunday in Milan over striker Javier Portillo.

Portillo is currently on-loan at Fiorentina, but wants a return to Real in January.

If a deal can be struck, then Morientes is expected to be given the all-clear to join Liverpool - if the Premiership club can meet his £8 million asking price.

The striker's agent, Gines Carvajal, has twice visited Merseyside in the past month, fueling speculation that a deal is close to being struck.