Former Liverpool keeper heads to Melbourne

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis is on the verge of joining A-League club Melbourne Victory.

Bouzanis, who has been with Liverpool since he was 16, was once described by then manager Rafael Benitez as the best keeper at his age anywhere in the world.

Victory have denied an agreement has been signed to lure Bouzanis to the club but they are hopeful of completing the deal in the next few days.

“I can now confirm that I have agreed terms with Melbourne Victory FC. Looking forward to the new season with my new club. #cantwait,” Bouzanis tweeted on Thursday.

But the club said a deal is not yet completed and there are still a couple more conditions in the contract which are yet to be agreed upon.

Coach Mehmet Durakovic and assistant Steve Mautone were said to be surprised when told Bouzanis had gone public with news that he had signed.

During his four-year spell as a Liverpool trainee, Bouzanis spent a brief time on loan with Sydney FC, while he was also loaned out to League Two outfit Accrington Stanley in 2009-10.

The Sydney-born 20-year-old played underage football with Greece, but opted to play for Australia in February 2009.

He will be battling with Brisbane Roar youngster Andrew Redmayne for the position of goalkeeper at next year’s London Olympics should Australia qualify.