On the backside of the Xabi Alonso sale to Real Madrid for 30 Million Pound, Liverpool has moved quickly to snatch Italian International Alberto Aquilani from Roma for 18 Million Pound.

Via Guardian 

“Alberto is a very good player and I’m delighted we’ve reached agreement with Roma for his transfer,” said the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez. “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.”

It has been mooted for some time that Liverpool would move for Aquilani, who has just celebrated his 25th birthday, should they fail in their attempts to hold on to Alonso but the speed of the deal suggests he has been marked as the Spaniard’s replacement at Anfield for some time.

Aquilani made his debut for Roma in 2003 under Fabio Capello. He has 11 full caps and was part of the squad that competed at Euro 2008.

Image via Byflies