Sensational news! Morientes to leave Real Madrid

By Gary Beaumont
January 22 2003

Jorge Valdano has explained that both Santiago Solari and Fernando Morientes have to leave Real Madrid to help aid other players within the club. The club's sporting director was adamant that the duo have no future at the club as their are better players already in the side.

Valdano has laid down the Gaunlet to Tottenham or the highest bidder to secure the services of Mori.

In a statement he claimed:

"Santiago is behind Zinedine Zidane and is impeding the progression of Raul Bravo," he explained.

"Morientes fits into the same category. Ronaldo is ahead of him and he is in the way of Javier Portillo.

"He was top scorer in the World Cup for Spain, but Portillo has come through and is now next in line.

"We believe that now is a good moment for Santi to go and if the situation with Fernando is the same in June then he too will have to consider his options.

"People say it was obscene that we spent millions on buying Zidane, but Real Madrid is known throughout the world for having him here.

"Nobody complains when an actor signs a deal that is worth millions to make a movie. We too are in the leisure industry and we handle our budget according to what we feel is needed."

Solari was set to join Inter during the current transfer window, but could not agree terms with the Italian club.

Morientes has refused a permanent and a loan to deal to Tottenham Hotspur and has been linked with moves to Inter and Roma in the last few weeks

This could leave the door open to a audicious bid to bring the player to White Hart Lane. With the Ricketts deal dead, Tottenham Hotspur may turn their attention back to Mori. Also with the departure of Les Ferdinand and the pending sales of both Sherwood and Rebrov, this new opportunity may open the door for Spurs and Glenn Hoddle

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