LIVERPOOL have agreed a deal with Roma to sign Italy international Alberto Aquilani.

Rafael Benitez has moved quickly to snap up the 25-year-old midfielder after completing the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid for £30million.

The Reds are believed to have spent in the region of £20m on Aquilani, whose transfer is subject to a medical.

The Italian has only recently returned to training following an ankle operation, and will undergo stringent tests before Liverpool rubber-stamp the deal.

Aquilani is highly-rated in Serie A and is expected to feature heavily for Italy in next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

And Reds manager Benitez has expressed his delight at immediately filling the breach left by Alonso’s departure.

“Alberto is a very good player and I’m delighted we’ve reached agreement with Roma for his transfer,” said the Spaniard. “He will travel to Merseyside later this week for a medical.

“Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League.

“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.”