Spanish international striker Fernando Morientes completed his nine million euros transfer from Real Madrid [Images] to Liverpool after passing a medical, the English Premier League club has said.

The vastly experienced 28-year-old has signed a 3-1/2 year contract and will be presented to the media on Friday.

Subject to receiving international clearance, he could make his debut in Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United [Images], although he is unlikely to start the Anfield clash.

"He is important to us," he is good in the air, he is a good finisher and can shoot with both feet," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez told the Liverpool Echo on Thursday.

"He also has the mentality to go straight into a game like Saturday's if necessary."