Reds close to Voronin deal: Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed the Reds are close to sealing a deal to sign Ukrainian striker Andriy Voronin on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old’s contract with German side Bayer Leverkusen expires in the summer and he is now close to signing an agreement with Liverpool.

Benitez told www.liverpoolfc.tv: “We are close to a deal. The scouting department has been working on this possibility.

“He is an experienced striker who played in the World Cup and has scored goals for Ukraine, playing with Andriy Shevchenko, as well Bayer Leverkusen. He finishes his contract in the summer.”

Voronin has 40 caps for Ukraine and has scored five goals. He has previously played for three other German sides: Cologne, Mainz and Borussia Moenchengladbach.