Liverpool clinch deal for Sissoko

Liverpool have agreed to sign Mali midfielder Mohammed Sissoko from Valencia, subject to a medical.

The 20-year-old, born in France, had also been targeted by Merseyside rivals Everton and will cost the European champions £5m (€7.25m).

Sissoko is a powerful, attacking midfielder has spent two years in the Spanish league after joining from Auxerre’s youth academy.

Manager Rafael Benitez said: “He’s a young central midfielder who plays a high-energy game with a high tempo. He’s young, he’s not bad on the ball and he will improve the balance of our team.

“He’s had two good years with Valencia where he has won trophies. I know him well and he’s a very good player.”

Benitez also admitted the Reds are waiting to hear whether they will be able to bring Real Madrid star Luis Figo to Anfield.

“At the moment all we can do is wait. We have some possibilities and Figo is one of them. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Sissoko’s arrival will bring an end to an eventful week for the Reds, who beat Wrexham 4-3 in a friendly today.

Earlier in the week the Reds secured the services of Middlesbrough’s Boudewijn Zenden, Villarreal goalkeeper Jose Reina, Chile winger Mark Gonzalez and Seville full-back Antonio Barragan.