ENGLISH FA CUP/Burnley v Liverpool: Liverpool will learn whether their pursuit of Real Madrid's striker Fernando Morientes is successful over the next 48 hours, with Rafael Benitez prepared to consider alternative forwards from the Premiership if he fails.
Morientes is due to meet Real's new coach Wanderley Luxemburgo over the weekend to discuss his immediate future under the Brazilian's regime. Benitez is confident Luxemburgo will not be able to persuade the 28-year-old to remain a bit-part player at the Bernabeu though, with Lyon since declaring interest, he will not allow Liverpool to be drawn into an auction.
"We have a clear idea of the price we will pay," said Benitez. "The president (Florentino Perez) and the staff know the situation and the player has said he wants to go to Liverpool, so I don't think they will change Morientes' mind.
"But just in case, we are watching other players. We are talking with agents and we have some names, but a lot are more expensive than we'd like. We won't pay too much, but the market is quite wide at the moment." Benitez's focus is on potential Premiership signings with Manchester City's Nicolas Anelka his most viable option. "We know all about Anelka and he's a good player," said the manager.
Benitez will field a weakened side at Burnley in the FA Cup tonight. Steven Gerrard will be rested, probably along with Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher.
Top scorer Milan Baros has been ruled out of the trip to Burnley because of his hamstring problem.
"We will use some of our young players at Burnley, we have been working with them all week and we are happy and confident about them. They played very well in the League Cup so I am confident they can continue to do well."
The Anfield boss is also relieved that Igor Biscan has decided to stay and help the club overcome the injury problems, but Stephane Henchoz is on his way out, either to Bolton or Rangers.
Henchoz has been offered a deal by Rangers but "I haven't made up my mind yet. There are two clubs from the Premiership interested, but all three are interesting offers," said the Swiss international.
