Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC close in on deal for AEK Athens' Sotirios Kyrgiakos
LIVERPOOL are closing in on a deal for AEK Athens centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
The Reds have submitted a £1.5million bid for the former Rangers defender and are hopeful of landing the 30-year-old Greek international.
Boss Rafa Benitez has been looking to secure defensive cover since the departure of Sami Hyypia at the end of last season.
A back injury to Daniel Agger, who is likely to be out for another three weeks, has increased the need to make a signing.
Liverpool have recently been priced out of a move for either Hull's Michael Turner or Stoke's Ryan Shawcross with a lack of cash forcing Benitez to look at cheaper options.
Kyrgiakos began his career at Panathinaikos before joining Rangers on loan in January 2004.
The 6ft 4ins defender's switch to Scotland was made permanent but he was released after his contract expired in July 2006.
Two seasons at Eintracht Frankfurt followed before he signed a five-year contract with AEK Athens last year.
Meanwhile, Benitez has insisted Albert Riera and Andriy Voronin are not for sale.
Barcelona have been linked with a move for Riera, while Hertha Berlin have revealed they are keen to secure a permanent deal for Voronin who spent last season on loan there.
Benitez said: 'Nobody will be sold because we need all our players. We can't afford to lose anyone else.
'The Premier League is very difficult and we have to keep everyone we have at the moment.'
Riera was left out of Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham but he is expected to return to the squad for tonight's clash with Stoke City at Anfield.
