Reds agree Aquilani transfer

05 August 2009 22:35
Liverpool have confirmed that they have reached agreement with Roma to sign midfielder Alberto Aquilani for a fee believed to be ¦pound;20million.[LNB] The signing comes just hours after Xabi Alonso passed his medical at Real Madrid and completed a ¦pound;30million move to the Bernabeu after five years at Anfield.[LNB] It has become clear that the two deals were being negotiated in tandem. Once Liverpool had completed the Alonso transfer, and received the first cash instalment, they were able to complete the deal for a player to replace the Spaniard in boss Rafael Benitez's squad.[LNB] Reds manager Rafael Benitez said: "Alberto is a very good player and I'm delighted we've reached agreement with Roma for his transfer.[LNB] "Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League. [LNB] "He has long been recognised as a top-class talent in Italy, captaining his country at both Under-19 and Under-21 levels before establishing himself in the senior national side."

Source: Eurosport