Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has scuppered a dream move to REAL MADRID, it has been revealed.

The Daily Mail says Madrid were expecting to announce the unlikely signing today after agreeing a fee with Liverpool for their reserve right winger, who has started only two Barclays Premier League matches this season.

Pennant, who asked for £60,000 a week - almost double what was being offered by the Spanish giants.

Although the salary demand is not remarkable in the modern game, Madrid - who have just spent £20million on Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth - set a ceiling on their pay offer.

Pennant's deal at Anfield is worth around £30,000-a-week. Pennant, who has not played for England at senior level, could not understand why a move to Madrid would benefit his career.

A friend said: "Why would he go there when the chances of playing in the first team are remote? He has had enough of that from his time at Anfield. He wants first-team football and the chance of a regular run in the team."