Real Madrid cut short Portillo's Fiorentina loan

Real Madrid are in talks with Fiorentina over cutting short the loan of striker Javier Portillo.

The sale of Fernando Morientes means coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo is a striker short and he was forced to play youngster Javi Soldado in the Copa del Rey last night.

"We are working on a replacement for Morientes," confirmed Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno. "Portillo is a good option. But we have several options under consideration."

"We will let you know when a solution is found."