Liverpool agree deal to sign Kyrgiakos

Liverpool have agreed a deal with AEK Athens to sign Greek centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos subject to a medical.

Kyrgiakos is expected to arrive on Merseyside before the weekend to complete his switch to Rafa Benitez’s team.

Benitez moved for the 30-year-old Greece international after Martin Skrtel suffered a jaw injury at Tottenham on Sunday that saw him join fellow centre-back Daniel Agger on the sidelines.

Benitez had wanted to sign Hull defender Michael Turner but was told he only had two million pounds (2.3 million euros) to spend, leading to the move for former Rangers star Kyrgiakos, who is believed to have cost 1.5 million pounds (1.7 million euros).

“We have nearly done the deal subject to a medical. He is a player with experience who can hopefully help us in defence,” Benitez told Liverpool’s website on Thursday.

“He has experience in British football and Rangers. After that with Frankfurt and the national team. He’s a good player in the air, strong and aggressive. We were looking for a player with experience.

“He will have the medical this week, it has to be before the weekend.”