11.08.2004 - Morientes on the bench for Real

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Fernando Morientes, who could be used as part of a deal to take Michael Owen to Real Madrid, will start tonight's Champions League game on the bench.

The Spanish international striker could be offered to Liverpool when Real Madrid make an official move for Owen, and if he plays no part of Real's game at Wisla Krakow tonight, he would not be cup tied and would be free to play for Liverpool in Europe this season.

Should the Spaniard play at any stage of the match though, he would be cup-tied if he was to move clubs.

Reports have claimed that Liverpool will be offered either Samuel Eto'o or Morientes, though Eto'o is keen on a move to Barcelona, who are hoping to agree a deal for the Cameroon striker tomorrow.

A deal worth a total of £20million is expected to be agreed for Owen, whose agent has already held talks with Real Madrid, and talks between the clubs could start tomorrow, after both sides have completed the first legs of their Champions League 3rd round qualifying games.