Real Madrid's Morientes interested in Chelsea move

Chelsea have been linked with Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

Blues boss Claudio Ranieri is chasing a target-man for the new season and Spanish international Morientes is aware of their interest.

"Spain has the Euro 2004 tournament coming up in Portugal and I want more that anything to be a part of this event and I know that the best chance I will have of doing that is if I am playing regularly with my team," said Morientes.

"If this is not happening then I will have to go to a club that will promise me a place in the first eleven."

"If a club that is interested in signing me cannot guarantee this then I will stay at Real Madrid."

"I know that also it maybe that Madrid might want to sell me but in this case I will be the one who chooses where I go and play next."

Regarding Chelsea's - and also Roma's - interest, Morientes added: "They are both very good teams, with two very good trainers who know the Spanish league very well and also know how I play and what I can give to a team."

"But I will not be making a decision about anything until I return to Madrid."

"It is of course flattering if other teams are interested in me and for this I am very grateful."