MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid have slapped a 'not for sale' sign on their Spanish international striker Fernando Morientes, who is currently attracting interest from Liverpool.
Morientes only returned to the Bernabeu in August after a loan spell at Monaco, last season's Champions League finalists, but has complained of not being given enough playing time.
Liverpool are keen on signing the reportedly unsettled striker to supplement misfiring strike duo Djibril Cisse and Milan Baros.
However Real have upped the ante ahead of any transfer by saying he's going nowhere.
"In the face of certain press speculation which suggests the possibility of Fernando Morientes leaving Real Madrid, the club would like to state that the player is not for sale," a statement said on www.realmadrid.com.
The Guardian reported in England Thursday that Liverpool are continuing to have regular discussions with Real.
Madrid, according to the newspaper, are willing to sell but the possible stumbling block is Liverpool's lack of transfer funds, meaning they may have to look for a loan deal or postpone a permanent transfer until the end of the season.
But Morientes is keen on a move.
"He is not happy because he is not playing," said his agent Gines Carvajal, who was in the stands for Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday.
"He accepted the fact that he didn't particularly have a big chance of being in the starting XI every week, but he did expect to play now and again.
In a reference to Owen, who scored Real's winner against Dynamo Kiev on his European debut, Carvajal added: "It's easier to give an opportunity to someone from outside than it is to someone who is already at the club."