LIVERPOOL: Liverpool sealed a five-year deal with Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani on Friday after the Italian international passed a medical with the English giants.

Aquilani, 25, will cost Liverpool £20million and is seen as a straight replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid for £30m. “Liverpool confirmed that Alberto Aquilani has completed a medical and agreed a five-year contract with the club,” said a Liverpool statement. “The player will now continue his rehabilitation from an ankle operation under the guidance of medical team and is expected to be fully fit in approximately 4-8 weeks time.” Aquilani, who has 11 caps for Italy, will earn a reported around £80,000 a week.