Alberto Aquilani 300

ALBERTO AQUILANI will fly into Liverpool today to complete a £20million transfer after Rafael Benitez moved quickly to fill the gap left by Xabi Alonso.

Before Alonso was even unveiled by Real Madrid after completing his £30m switch, Liverpool announced they had agreed a deal with Roma for Aquilani.

The move is subject to the player today passing a medical, with the Italy international having only recently returned to full training after an operation on his right ankle in May.

But should the 25-year-old come through a stringent series of tests, he will become the second-most expensive player in Liverpool’s history, with only Fernando Torres costing more.

Aquilani has been given permission to negotiate personal terms with Liverpool, but these are expected to be a formality.

And Benitez has expressed his delight at filling the breach left by Alonso’s exit.

“Alberto is a very good player and I’m delighted we’ve reached agreement with Roma for his transfer,” said the Liverpool manager, who saw his side cruise to a 2-0 friendly win over FC Lyn in Oslo last night.

“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.”