Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez already has plans where he will field Alberto Aquilani, the Roma midfielder, once he completes his transfer. "Roma have allowed us to talk with him, so that's good and positive. He is a player with the quality we are looking for," Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv.

"He can play a little bit higher than Javier Mascherano - maybe between him and Steven Gerrard.

"He has good passing - the final ball is good - and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition.

"I think the signing should excite the fans. He won the U19 European Championship with his country, and U21 too. He has some trophies - including the Italian Cup.

"I always remember one game - England versus Italy U21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win."