Mori move to pave the way for Mellor exit?

The striker had been mooted to join Sheffield United when the transfer window reopened, but the move was scuppered when Djibril Cisse broke his leg.

Blades boss Neil Warnock is noe keen to resurrect transfer discussions.

"We enquired about Mellor, who could now be pushed down the pecking order by the arrival of Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid," he said.

"I think people like Neil are better off getting some games under their belt, but it's difficult because Liverpool are such a great club.

"It must be difficult for young players to drop down to Championship level."