Owen expects as Morientes closer to Liverpool

Liverpool are closing in on Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes, just as his teammate Michael Owen admitted he expects his former club to sign a new forward in January.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is likely to give Morientes the chance to star in the Premiership that he turned down earlier in the season.

Owen said: "My guess is Liverpool will strengthen after Christmas."

"They've got Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Neil Mellor, who has scored lots of goals in the reserves."

"The manager seems to play with Luis Garcia a bit up front and Harry Kewell can play there as well, so they can shuffle the pack."

"But I think they will probably want to get another striker in there."

Morientes has told his agent to find him another club and will make an official request to leave Real when the transfer window reopens.