Brazilian star Fabio Aurelio is expected to seal his move to Liverpool this weekend.
The 26-year-old's contract with Valencia expires on Friday and, having rejected the offer of an extension, he is due to travel to England over the weekend to put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal at Anfield.
A left back who can also operate in midfield, Aurelio has long been a target of Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez who coached the player when the two were at Valencia.
Aurelio won both La Liga and the Uefa Cup under Benitez's stewardship at La Mestalla and the Reds chief is well aware of his quality.
The South American will increase competition down the Liverpool left flank where he will do battle with the likes of John Arne Riise and Stephen Warnock for a place.
He will become the Merseysiders' second signing of the summer following the capture of Craig Bellamy, although Argentine defender Gabriel Palleta is another imminent arrival.
Aurelio joined Valencia in the 2000-01 campaign and while he impressed during his time in Spain, injury prevented him from ever truly cementing a first-team berth.
Meanwhile, Liverpool misfit Bruno Cheyrou could be set for a move Rennes.
Cheyrou spent last season on loan at Bordeaux but they opted against making the move permanent.
However, Rennes could ensure the player is back in France next season having confirmed their interest in the 28-year-old.
"An agreement could be found before the end of the week," stated Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi.
- Sky Sports
The 26-year-old's contract with Valencia expires on Friday and, having rejected the offer of an extension, he is due to travel to England over the weekend to put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal at Anfield.
A left back who can also operate in midfield, Aurelio has long been a target of Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez who coached the player when the two were at Valencia.
Aurelio won both La Liga and the Uefa Cup under Benitez's stewardship at La Mestalla and the Reds chief is well aware of his quality.
The South American will increase competition down the Liverpool left flank where he will do battle with the likes of John Arne Riise and Stephen Warnock for a place.
He will become the Merseysiders' second signing of the summer following the capture of Craig Bellamy, although Argentine defender Gabriel Palleta is another imminent arrival.
Aurelio joined Valencia in the 2000-01 campaign and while he impressed during his time in Spain, injury prevented him from ever truly cementing a first-team berth.
Meanwhile, Liverpool misfit Bruno Cheyrou could be set for a move Rennes.
Cheyrou spent last season on loan at Bordeaux but they opted against making the move permanent.
However, Rennes could ensure the player is back in France next season having confirmed their interest in the 28-year-old.
"An agreement could be found before the end of the week," stated Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi.
- Sky Sports
