Morientes to say no to loan

Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes is set to reject a loan move to Tottenham.

The London club have long been linked with the Spanish international and the speculation has intensified over recent months with Morientes out of favour at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo's arrival, along with the emergence of youngsters like Javier Portillo and Jorge Tote, has meant limited opportunities for Morientes, who was close to joining Barcelona in August, only for the deal to fall through at the last minute.

The player's agent Gines Carvajal confirmed Spurs had shown an interest but insisted the 26-year-old did not want to go out on loan.

"A third party has contacted me to tell me that there is an offer from Tottenham for Morientes to go on loan until the end of the season but we are not interested in a loan deal," Carvajal said.

"Morientes made the decision to respect his contract with Real Madrid after negotiations with Barcelona and Tottenham fell through last August."

Morientes, who joined Real during the 1997-1998 season from Real Zaragoza, has a deal with Madrid which runs until June 2006.

He has started just the one game this season, with his other eight appearances in the Primera Liga coming as a substitute.

"He will see how this season goes and then he will evaluate his position," concluded Carvajal.