Argentina winger Maxi Rodriguez has arrived in Liverpool ahead of completing his proposed switch to Anfield.
The 29-year-old Atletico Madrid player is set to undergo a medical before signing an 18-month contract.
He will then watch his new team-mates in action in Wednesday night's FA Cup third round replay against Reading at Anfield before returning to Spain to tie up the final details of his departure.
Rodriguez, who is a close friend and international team-mate of Reds midfielder Javier Mascherano, still has to agree his pay-off from Atletico.
HopedBut it is hoped he could be back in England by the weekend to figure in Liverpool's trip to Stoke on Saturday.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez had hoped the deal could have been completed last week, but the former Newell's Old Boys and Espanyol player was unable to finalise the details of his departure.
His impending arrival comes after Andrea Dossena left the Reds for Napoli, while Andriy Voronin moved to Dinamo Moscow.
These deals brought in funds totalling Ј6.5million, and Ryan Babel's name could soon be added to the list of departures now Benitez has been assured that he can have the potential Ј10million fee to strengthen his squad during this transfer window.
Benitez had previously been told to wait until the summer before spending on new additions.
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