Newcastle aim to trump Liverpool for Morientes

Real Madrid have offered striker Fernando Morientes to Newcastle United.

The Spanish international is the subject of a £3.5 million offer from Liverpool, but Real are demanding double that.

Real chiefs are angry at Liverpool's stalling and reluctance to give them first refusal on Steven Gerrard for a future transfer as part of the Morientes deal.

Madrid sounded out other English clubs to drum up interest and received a positive response from Newcastle.

The Toon are considering moving for Morientes if Southampton price James Beattie out of a move to St James' Park.