Reds seal Aurelio transfer

Jun 28 2006

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

FABIO AURELIO will officially become a Liverpool player this weekend.

Aurelio will sign his four-year Anfield contract on July 1, having already agreed terms with the Reds.

The 27-year-old Brazilian left back, who is signing on a free Bosman deal from Valencia, will start pre-season training with the rest of Liverpool's non-World Cup internationals next week.

Benitez will welcome at least three new faces to Melwood when the players return, with Aurelio joining fellow South American Gabriel Paletta and new striker Craig Bellamy.

Unfortunately, Mark Gonzalez will still need to await clearance from the department for education and employment, although that decision is anticipated a week today.

Ideally, Benitez wants at least a fifth new face to join the club by then - followed by another two before the transfer deadline.

The stand-off between Liverpool and Seville for the £10m transfer of Daniel Alves is continuing, but Benitez is already considering his plan B, which involves bidding for Feyenoord's Dirk Kuyt.

Benitez is desperate for another top striker and the exit of Holland from the World Cup will see the chase for Kuyt hot up.

If Seville finally agree a deal for Alves, Benitez knows he hasn't any money left in his kitty to finance a major Kuyt bid, unless he can swiftly sell some of his unwanted squad play-ers.

So far, there has been precious little interest shown in those surplus to requirements at Anfield but it's hoped there will be exits in July.

Scott Carson's potential move to Sheffield Wednesday was always a non-starter as Liverpool are still un-sure of Jerzy Dudek's future.

If the Polish Champions League hero is sold, Benitez won't be prepared to leave himself short of goalkeeper cover.

Jay -- LIVERPOOL FC - 5 TIMES KINGS OF EUROPE MANCHE$TER BUCCANEERS & BLUEpooE - KINGS OF COMEDY