Reds close in on Jovanovic

(GSM) – Liverpool are close to agreeing a pre-contract deal with Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic, according to reports.

The Serbian international has long been linked with the Merseysiders, along with Milan and Premier League rivals Birmingham.

And it now seems Liverpool are 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 his pursuit of Sunderland’s Kenwyne Jones.

The 28-year-old 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.