Spain's Fernando Morientes said he had not ruled out leaving Real Madrid in the new year after struggling to win a place again at the Bernabeu this season.

He added that Monaco, whom he helped reach May's Champions League final while on loan before losing to Porto, would be his top choice for a move.

But despite limited opportunities with Brazilian Ronaldo and England's Michael Owen also contesting his place up front, Morientes plans to persevere for a year at Real.

"We'll see in due course," Morientes told French sports daily l'Equipe on Tuesday about the possibility of a transfer from Real during the next transfer window in January.

Morientes has yet to start in the Liga for Real this season.

"But yes, there's always a possibility. In any case I made a decision to stay one year at Real and things should go very wrong for me to change my mind," he said.

The Spaniard said his season with Monaco had been "the most beautiful thing that could happen".

"It was an extraordinary experience. Something special took place with the coach (Didier Deschamps), my team mates and the fans," he said.

"I know that the door is open at Monaco and I'd like to walk through that door again one day.

"If I had to leave Real once more, Monaco would be my first choice," he said.

He was controversially released on loan to the French Ligue 1 club at the beginning of last season by Real who then were knocked out by Monaco, with Morientes scoring in both legs, in the quarter-finals.