Reds close on Jovanovic deal

I don't know how this is possible with the transfer window being now officially shot down and no official media release, Sky Sports News understands Liverpool are close to agreeing a pre-contract deal with Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic.

The Reds, along with AC
Milan and Premier League rivals Birmingham, have long been linked with the 28-year-old and now seem to be on the verge of getting their man.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has stepped up his efforts to capture Jovanovic, who is out of contract with Liege in the summer, after failing in a pursuit of Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones.

Serbia international Jovanovic is reported to be on the verge of signing terms that would guarantee he moves to Anfield after participating in this summer's World Cup to offer an alternative to injury-prone Fernando Torres.

It has been suggested that Jovanovic was only prepared to sign for Liverpool if the club offered guarantees that Juventus target Benitez would stay on Merseyside beyond the end of this season.

But it appears that an agreement over a three-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months is close.

This story has been reproduced from today's media, including Sky Sports who tend to be reliable. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.

(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)

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Liverpool are on the verge of a deal to sign Milan Jovanovic on a free transfer in the summer after further talks with the Standard Liege and Serbia striker.
Sportsmail reported last month how 28-year-old Jovanovic had given his word on a move to Anfield.
Negotiations on a pre-contract agreement for the 28-year-old to join them in the summer are at an advanced stage.

Frosty reception: Next season’s Merseyside derby will be an interesting one for Serbia international Jovanovic
The Serbia international is out of contract at the end of the season and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been tracking the player for some time.
Barclays Premier League rivals Birmingham and Serie A giants AC Milan were also believed to be interested in the former Lokomotiv Moscow forward, who is reportedly ready to sign a three-year deal at Anfield.
The capture of Jovanovic would reinforce Benitez’s continued assertions that he plans to remain at Liverpool for the long term despite strong interest from Juventus to make him their coach at the end of the campaign.
If the player does complete his move to Liverpool, he has already done plenty to endear himself to Reds fans.
Just over a year ago he was linked with Merseyside rivals Everton, as well as Aston Villa, but rejected a move to Goodison Park out of hand.
‘Everton aren’t a big club. That club I have turned down already,’ he told Serbian website Blic online at the time. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool have attempted to ward off rival interest by offering Jovanovic a free transfer and personal terms of about £10m over three years.

(lu dans Telegraph)