Real Madrid want first option on Liverpool's Gerrard

Real Madrid are pushing to have first refusal on Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.

The Guardian says negotiations between the two clubs over the transfer of the Spanish international striker are ongoing, with Liverpool's opening bid of £3.5m having been swiftly rejected.

Real now intend to push for a deal which would see Morientes as a makeweight to secure a first option on Gerrard should the midfielder leave Anfield, though the Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry will resist when talks resume today.

But Liverpool's board are adamant that Gerrard's future will not be up for discussion, indeed they see the Morientes signing as a way of showing the captain their ambition.