Reds face competition for Morientes

Last updated : 27 December 2004 By Adam Bryant
In a statement which is obviously intended to put pressure on interested parties to increase their offer, Gines Carvajal told the Spanish press: "We have already met with Florentino Perez to analyse the situation of Morientes.

"In the club they consider that he is a player who has always had a correct attitude and we are looking for the best solution for him. Something real that can become effective.

"Morientes now has four offers from different English clubs and two from French teams.

"We will have to wait and see what happens but he is very clear in his mind that he wants to play and wants to do so in a great and competitive team.

"We're not considering a loan deal. What we want is a transfer. He already went last season on loan for six months and he doesn't want to do that again."

Newcastle have already expressed an interest, and it is believed that Aston Villa and Birmingham may be the other two clubs.