Liverpool closed in on the signing of Roma's Alberto Aquilani on Thursday with boss Rafael Benitez insisting the midfielder will "excite" the fans.
The 25-year-old Italy international also received the backing of former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise, a team-mate with the Rome club.
Aquilani is due on Merseyside for a medical and to complete a £20million deal that will give him a four-year contract.
Benitez, who has completed the sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, said: "Roma have allowed us to talk with him, so that's good and positive. He is a player with the quality we are looking for.
"He can play a little bit higher (further forward) than Javier Mascherano - maybe between him and Steven Gerrard.
"He is a good passer, the final ball is good, and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition.
"I think the signing should excite the fans. He won the under-19 European Championship with his country, and the under-21 too. He has some trophies, including the Italian Cup.
"I always remember one game - England versus Italy Under-21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win."
Aquilani's departure from Roma comes with the club captain Francesco Totti claiming: "Alberto will be missed very much by everyone here."
The 25-year-old Italy international also received the backing of former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise, a team-mate with the Rome club.
Aquilani is due on Merseyside for a medical and to complete a £20million deal that will give him a four-year contract.
Benitez, who has completed the sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, said: "Roma have allowed us to talk with him, so that's good and positive. He is a player with the quality we are looking for.
"He can play a little bit higher (further forward) than Javier Mascherano - maybe between him and Steven Gerrard.
"He is a good passer, the final ball is good, and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition.
"I think the signing should excite the fans. He won the under-19 European Championship with his country, and the under-21 too. He has some trophies, including the Italian Cup.
"I always remember one game - England versus Italy Under-21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win."
Aquilani's departure from Roma comes with the club captain Francesco Totti claiming: "Alberto will be missed very much by everyone here."
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