Morientes nearing transfer

Spain striker Fernando Morientes claims a deal which would see him join an unnamed club at the end of the season is "90% done".

The 28-year-old has spent the season on loan at Monaco after falling out of favour at Real Madrid.

And, despite still having two years left on his contract with the recently-deposed Spanish champions, Morientes is eager to further his career elsewhere.
According to French newspaper L'Equipe, Chelsea are the club in question but a cautious Morientes refused to reveal their identity.

"We are slowly coming to an agreement and we can say that the deal is 90% done," he said.

"I really like the idea of joining that club but by the time the contract is sealed and signed it might take a little while and I might have to go back to Real Madrid at the end of the season."

Morientes, who has also been linked with a move to Juventus, Roma and Arsenal, is reportedly the top target of Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich - a man who would have no qualms about paying the 12million euro (£8million) asking price.

Abramovich is thought to have been impressed by the player during Monaco's two-legged victory over the London side in the semi-finals of the Champions League where Morientes scored in both games.