Real Madrid general manager Emilio Butragueno has admitted that the club may recall striker Javier Portillo from his loan spell at Fiorentina, as they look to strengthen their strikeforce following the sale of Fernando Morientes to Liverpool.
Speaking at a press conference convened to confirm the sale of Morientes, Butragueno revealed that the club were looking to sign a forward during the transfer window.
“It’s true that we are thinking about bringing in another striker and soon there will some news on this,” said Butragueno.
“It is true that bringing Portillo back is a possibility.
Butragueno also paid tribute to Morientes, who leaves the club after eight highly successful years at the Bernabeu.
“I wish to extend our thanks to Fernando for his professionalism and hisefforts over the years and how he has helped us acnieve so many titles including three European Cups.
“We wish him good luck in the next stage of his career.
“It is not an easy day for us because we have mixed feelings. He has been with Madrid a long time and he leaves with lots of pride and affection in Real Madrid fans’ hearts.”
Quizzed about the possibility of Real signing Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen, Butragueno was circumspect.
“We are working to try and reinforce the team but we can’t firm that up any more,” was ll he was prepared to say.
