Liverpool FC

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Reds pull off Spanish double

01 Feb 2007 - 08:25:28

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Liverpool completed the double deal to land Spanish duo Alvaro Arbeloa and Francisco Manuel Duran before the closure of the transfer window.

Deportivo La Coruna right-back Arbeloa is believed to have cost the Reds £2.5million, while Duran has been signed on a free transfer as the teenager did not have a professional contact with Spanish second division side Malaga.

Arbeloa, 24, joined Depor from Real Madrid last summer and admitted his surprise that a move to Anfield materialised so quickly.

"Until Tuesday I wasn't sure whether I was going to leave or not," Arbeloa told the club's official website.

"My agent told me the deal was very advanced and I was then told that the deal had been reached between both clubs.

"For me this is a beautiful challenge and I hope everything goes well. It's a huge leap for me."

Meanwhile, Duran is relishing the prospect of working under Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

"It's a unique opportunity and I couldn't let it go by," he added.

"I have spoken with Rafa Benitez and I believe that this is the best option for me.

"To play for Liverpool is a dream for me and now I only desire to fight to play finally for the club."