Reds agree deal for Agger

Liverpool have agreed a deal with Brondby for Denmark international Daniel Agger.

The European champions have held a long-term interest in the Denmark international as Rafa Benitez looks to add a centre half to his squad.

Benitez has now advanced that admiration after The Reds agreed a deal in principle with Agger's club Brondby.

It is rumoured that Liverpool will stump up £5.8 million for the defender, who played against England in a friendly at the start of the season.

The finishing touches are being put to the transfer and Benitez outlined how long he has been tracking the 21-year-old.

"Daniel is a player we have been following for a long time," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

"We first spoke to Brondby about the player when we were in Monaco playing the Super Cup final. At that time, their chairman said he wasn't for sale.

"We've been told he's one of the best centre halves in Denmark for 20 years. A lot of scouts have spoken highly of him and there has been lots of interest from other clubs.

"People will remember he played particularly well in an international against England earlier this season. We'd already watched and asked about the player before then.

"That match surprised a lot of people, but it confirmed to us he could play at a particularly high level, which is why we've continued to follow him."

Agger has missed Brondby's training camp in Spain to complete his switch to Anfield, with Benitez enthusing over his impending recruit.

"He will be an option for the first team within a short space of time," added Benitez. "First he will need to improve his physical condition, but then he will put both Sami and Carra under pressure for their place. This is an area where we've had no competition until now.

"He can't play in the Champions League, but when you sign a player who's only 21-years-old, he is for the future of the club, not for a competition in which we have a maximum of seven games left."

Liverpool's deal for Agger is likely to disappoint another Premiership club - believed to be Tottenham - who were also chasing the stopper.

Brondby director Per Bjerregaard told TV2: "It is correct that at least two Premier League clubs are interested in Agger.

"But who it is, I don't want to reveal."

Meanwhile, Reds youngster David Mannix has suffered a major injury blow after breaking his leg.