Real Madrid's Morientes to Porto for Carvalho

Real Madrid are ready to offer Fernando Morientes to Porto for defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Portugal international Carvalho is the central defender Real coach Jose Antonio Camacho wants after arriving at the Santiago and realising that former captain Fernando Hierro has still not been adequately replaced.

Carvalho, 22, has openly admitted his ambition to join Real, but will not rock the boat by demanding a move from Porto.

Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has also asked for Morientes after receiving an approach from Real about Carvalho last month.

Real won't pay the £20 million Da Costa is demanding for Carvalho and instead will offer a straight swap, which will include a cash component to compensate for Morientes' high wage demands.

Morientes is keen on the move, with sources close to the player's camp indicating talks could open today over a move to the European champs.