Morientes plots a United debut

Fernando Morientes wants to make his Liverpool debut against Manchester United on Saturday after he sealed his £6.3million move to Anfield from Real Madrid today.

Subject to passing a medical, the Spain striker is expected to sign a four-and-a-half year contract and is hoping he will be registered in time for this weekend's Premiership clash with United.

And Morientes revealed how he turned down a late offer from Lyon to sign for Rafael Benitez's side.

"Going to Liverpool was a decision my family and I thought about a lot," said Morientes.

"I am grateful the club [Real] have accepted my wishes to go to Liverpool rather than other better offers they could have had.

"One of them was Lyon, but when their offer came in I had given my word to Liverpool.

"The Lyon offer came late and I had made my decision. I wanted to go to England. Now all I can do is hope that the medical goes well and I am registered in time to play on Saturday.

"You can't ask for more than a debut against Manchester United. It would be a great debut for me and even better if the team wins."

Meanwhile, a Liverpool spokesman confirmed today: "A fee has been agreed with Real Madrid for the transfer. Personal terms must now be agreed with the player and a medical arranged before the deal is completed." If Morientes is cleared to play, manager Benitez is certain to throw him into Saturday's match.

Whether the 28-year-old will be fit enough to complete the inevitably frantic and fierce game against United remains to be seen.

His first-team opportunities with Real have been limited this season.

But Benitez is hopeful he will figure in the team this weekend and said: "We will use the player as soon as possible. I am not sure of the rules in this country, but we will try to register him for Saturday."