Post by Kingkenny on Jan 30, 2007 17:57:18 GMT
West Ham's Javier Mascherano and Spanish youngster Francis Duran are both set to join defender Alvaro Arbeloa at Liverpool this week.
The Reds have swooped to take 24-year-old Arbeloa to Anfield after agreeing a fee with his current club, Deportivo La Coruna in Spain, and he is looking forward to the prospect of playing for the Merseysiders. Arbeloa is also pleased that Deportivo will pick up twice the £1.3million they paid Real Madrid for his services last year.
He said: "Until this morning [Tuesday], I wasn't sure whether I was going to leave or not.
"My agent told me the deal was very advanced and I was then told that the deal had been reached between both clubs.
"I am happy that Deportivo will take double the amount of what they paid for me, I am grateful to them and I know my departure will help the club.
"For me this is a beautiful challenge and I hope everything goes well. It's a huge leap for me."
Meanwhile 18-year-old midfielder, Duran, has admitted that he is all set to quit Malaga in his homeland to become the latest teenage prospect at Anfield during the January transfer window.
He told the Spanish media: "It's a unique opportunity and I couldn't let it go by. 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."
Reds boss Rafa Benitez also remains confident of being able to clinch the loan signing of signing 22-year-old Argentinian international, Mascherano, from the Hammers, despite FIFA rules stipulating that a player cannot feature for three clubs within a calendar year.
He said. "We have an agreement to take him on loan for 18 months, then we have an option to sign him permanently.
"We are waiting to hear from FIFA, but I hope we can sign Mascherano even if the transfer deadline passes."
The Reds have swooped to take 24-year-old Arbeloa to Anfield after agreeing a fee with his current club, Deportivo La Coruna in Spain, and he is looking forward to the prospect of playing for the Merseysiders. Arbeloa is also pleased that Deportivo will pick up twice the £1.3million they paid Real Madrid for his services last year.
He said: "Until this morning [Tuesday], I wasn't sure whether I was going to leave or not.
"My agent told me the deal was very advanced and I was then told that the deal had been reached between both clubs.
"I am happy that Deportivo will take double the amount of what they paid for me, I am grateful to them and I know my departure will help the club.
"For me this is a beautiful challenge and I hope everything goes well. It's a huge leap for me."
Meanwhile 18-year-old midfielder, Duran, has admitted that he is all set to quit Malaga in his homeland to become the latest teenage prospect at Anfield during the January transfer window.
He told the Spanish media: "It's a unique opportunity and I couldn't let it go by. 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."
Reds boss Rafa Benitez also remains confident of being able to clinch the loan signing of signing 22-year-old Argentinian international, Mascherano, from the Hammers, despite FIFA rules stipulating that a player cannot feature for three clubs within a calendar year.
He said. "We have an agreement to take him on loan for 18 months, then we have an option to sign him permanently.
"We are waiting to hear from FIFA, but I hope we can sign Mascherano even if the transfer deadline passes."
