Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has confirmed that he will join Liverpool in January’s transfer window.

The 28-year-old has been a peripheral figure a the Bernabeu this season, with Ronaldo, Raul and ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen above him in the pecking order.

“The main reason is coach Rafa Benitez – he is Spanish and knows me perfectly which is worth a lot,” said Morientes.

“I don’t want to expand except to say I am already looking through the English dictionary,” he told Liverpool’s website.

Morientes’ agent Gines Carvajal has revealed that the only stumbling block to a move is the fee, with Real currently holding out for more than Liverpool’s £3.5m offer.

“Everything depends on Real Madrid – I haven’t seen anything in writing from Liverpool,” Carvajal said.

“I know they spoke with Madrid and the initial amount did not satisfy the president.

“But within the right price frame the feelings of the player will be a priority – that is important.”