Morientes set for return to Madrid

Chelsea may have been dealt a blow in the search for a new striker following reports in Spain that Fernando Morientes is going back to Real Madrid.

The Spanish international, whose goals for Monaco in the European Cup semi- final knocked Chelsea out of the competition, was a target for new manager Jose Mourinho.

Morientes is one of several top European forwards the club are looking at. But the player, who was on a year loan to European Cup finalists Monaco, is reported to have told Telemadrid radio: "From 16 July, I will be back at Real Madrid. I have spoken on the telephone to (new coach) Jose Antonio Camacho and we have reached an agreement and I am staying."

Morientes, who went to France when he couldn't be guaranteed a first-team place, is prepared to fight for a spot in the starting line-up alongside Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo and national team skipper Raul.

The 28-year-old had also been linked with a move to Italy, with Juventus and Roma particularly keen.

Meanwhile, Spanish club Villarreal have confirmed they are talks with Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot whose Stamford Bridge contract has run out.