Real Madrid use Morientes to clinch Carvalho

Real Madrid could use striker Fernando Morientes as a makeweight in a deal for Porto defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Chelsea are also chasing Carvalho, but Real hope to clinch the deal by offering cash plus Morientes in exchange for the Portugal international.

Morientes' agent, Gines Carvajal, admitted yesterday: "Yes, it is possible that he signs for Porto. They're a great team, winners of the last Champions League and therefore a very important club in European football. Why not play there?"

Porto president Jorge Nino da Costa is also keen on Real midfielder Alberto Celades, who could be included in the deal along with Morientes.

Negotiations, however, will depend on Florentino Perez seeing off the challenge of Lorenz Sanz at this weekend's presidential elections at Real Madrid.