Fernando Morientes is finally on his way to Anfield after Liverpool and Real Madrid today confirmed a fee had been agreed for the Spanish international.
The 28-year-old, one of Europe's leading strikers last season while on loan at Champions League finalists Monaco, has been pushing for a move to join the Reds' former Valencia coach Rafael Benitez.
And Madrid's website today delivered the news that Liverpool fans had been hoping for: "Real Madrid and Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Fernando Morientes to the English club for a total price of 9million euros (£6.3million).
"This afternoon the player will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical that he will have to take tomorrow morning."
Liverpool later confirmed on their website: "A fee has been agreed with Real Madrid for the transfer of striker Fernando Morientes.
"Personal terms must now be agreed with the player and a medical arranged before the deal is completed."
Liverpool boss Benitez has had his fair share of bad luck with strikers this season, with Djibril Cisse suffering a double break of his leg against Blackburn which is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season, while Milan Baros has been affected by a hamstring injury.
However, suddenly things are looking brighter for Benitez and the quality of Morientes will be a huge boost, as will the strength and quality of new defender Mauricio Pellegrino, signed on a free transfer from Valencia earlier this week.
Providing there are no hold-ups with paperwork and international clearance, Morientes is in line to make his debut against Manchester United on Saturday.
At a press conference today at Real's Las Rozas training ground, Morientes spoke of his delight, and admitted he would relish the chance to make his debut against United.
"Going to Liverpool was a decision my family and I thought about a lot," said Morientes.
"I want to play and I had several offers, but I think the best for me and my family was Liverpool's.
"Now all I can do is hope that the medical goes well and I am registered in time to play (on Saturday).
"You can't ask for more than a debut against Manchester United. It would be a great debut for me and even better if the team wins."
Morientes revealed he had turned down a late offer from French champions Lyon to move to Anfield.
"I am grateful the club have accepted my wishes to go to Liverpool rather than other better offers they could have had," Morientes added.
"All I can say is thanks to all the clubs who were interested. One of them was Lyon, but when their offer came in I had given my word to Liverpool.
"The Lyon offer came later and I had made my decision. I wanted to go to England."
