REDS AGREE PELLEGRINO DEAL

liverpoolfc.tv - Paul Eaton



Liverpool have today agreed a deal to bring Mauricio Pellegrino to Anfield on a free transfer.

The Argentinian star completed a medical on Merseyside this afternoon and has signed until the end of the season with the option of extending his contract for a further year.

However, the player is not eligible to play for the Reds until the remaining formalities of the deal are finalised.

The deal reunites Pellegrino with Rafa Benitez, with whom he enjoyed so much success in Spain with Valencia.

With Stephane Henchoz looking likely to leave the club, the signing of 33 year old Pellegrino will ensure Hyypia and Carragher have genuine competition for their places in the heart of the Reds defence.

Pellegrino joined Valencia in 1999 and played a major role in the teams which finished Champions League runners-up in 2000 and 2001.

He has won two La Liga titles as well as the UEFA Cup under Benitez last season.

"I feel very satisfied," said Pellegrino. "At my age it's a great satisfaction that this opportunity comes along. I have always wanted to play in English football."