Newcastle's Morientes Bid Confirmed

By Matthew Jones
December 23 2004

This morning, Real Madrid have confirmed that they have received a bid for striker Fernando Morientes from Newcastle United - although would not say exactly how much was bid - only that it was higher than the £3.5m Liverpool bid earlier in the week.

The Real Madrid striker is almost certain to leave the Spannish club in January, and has been given permission to speak to other clubs.

Morientes is frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities he is gettin

New vice-president Emilio Butragueno understands Morientes' frustration and, speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, said: "If there is a fantastic offer then we will consider it.

"Morientes is a very good player and we are not going to stand in anyone's way, not least Fernando because he has always behaved in a professional manner, but we also have to look at the interests of the club.

"It is clear that Fernando is upset at not playing very much but I also have to say that the season is very long.

"I remember two years ago when we played Juventus in the Champions League and we had Javier Portillo and Morientes in attack.

"I understand Fernando and he understands our position."

Meanwhile, Brett Emerton could well be on his way to St James' Park having previously turned the Magpies' down for Blackburn Rovers .