Real Madrid have confirmed they have agreed a £6.3m deal with Liverpool for their striker Fernando Morientes.

Morientes, 28, has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract and will sign subject to a medical later today.

The Spanish would be eligible to make his debut for the Reds in Saturday’s Premeirship match against rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool will pay £5.5m initially but the fee will rise to depending on the number of appearances Morientes makes for the club.

Morientes’ agent Gines Carvajal said: “The player has agreed afour-and-a-half year contract and he is delighted to be joining as great a club as Liverpool.”

A Real Madrid statement on the club’s official website, said: “Real Madrid and Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Fernando Morientes to the English club for a total price of £6.3m.

“This afternoon the player will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical thathe will have to take tomorrow morning.

“The club also has also confirmed that Fernando Morientes, accompaniedby (vice-president) Emilio Butragueno and (sporting director) Arrigo Sacchi willhold a press conference to announce his departure to the Premier League.”

Morientes has to undergo a medical and Benitez said: “We have spoken about him for two weeks now and the player wants to join Liverpool which is a good thing.

“I’m not sure how player registration works in England but we are hopeful that he could be ready for the weekend.

“We will use the player as soon as possible. The important thing is he wants to come to Liverpool and play for us.”

Morientes adds to Liverpool’s growing Spanish contingent, which along with manager Benitez, includes: Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Josemi and Antonio Nunez.