Transfer round-up: Alvarez set to join Inter, Adam completes Reds medical

Inter Milan are on the verge of signing Argentine Ricky Alvarez after the 23-year-old arrived for a medical on Thursday.

Alvarez is set to join the Serie A giants from Argentine side Velez Sarfield in a deal rumoured to be worth 12 million euros.

Inter had to fend off interest from Arsenal and Rom before eventually winning the battle for Alvarez’s services, and were understandably delighted.

A statement on Inter’s official website read: “Shortly after 10:30 this morning (Friday), Ricardo Gabriel Alvarez, or Ricky as he has been dubbed, arrived at Linate airport on a flight from London.”

“The 23-year-old Argentine midfielder, who holds an Italian passport, is a natural talent and although he has been courted by all of the major European teams, Inter directors have managed to bring him to Italy with a Nerazzurri scarf already around his neck.”

The left-footer is capable of playing in multiple positions in midfield, and was impressive during Velez’s recent Copa Libertadores campaign

Speaking of his arrival in Italy, Alvarez added: “This is a dream come true for me and I can’t wait to start this wonderful adventure.”

“I would like to win anything because that would be really special for me.”

In other transfer news, Charlie Adam is a step closer to being a Liverpool player after the Scottish international completed a medical at Anfield on Friday.

Liverpool announced on Thursday they had agreed to terms with Blackpool for the transfer of the 25-year-old, with the deal though to be worth around 7.5 million pounds.

The Reds are also close to an agreement with Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni, with the 31-year-old in the final stages of hammering out personal terms with the Merseyside outfit.

Elsewhere in England, Fulham have reportedly agreed to a fee for Roma left-back John Arne Riise.

Riise, 30, made his name during a seven year stint with Liverpool, and would link up with younger brother Bjorn Helge in West London if the deal goes ahead.

Injury-plagued defender Jonathan Woodgate has been released by Tottenham, while Wigan have re-signed veteran goalkeeper Mike Pollitt for another 12 months.

Championship side Portsmouth have signed Derby County striker Luke Varney for an undisclosed fee.

Varney, 28, netted five goals during a loan spell in the Premier League with Blackpool last season.