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Liverpool poised to swoop for Italy defender Dossena

26/06/2008

Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Italy international Andrea Dossena next week.

The Reds will splash out about £7 million for the Udinese full-back, according to reports.

Liverpool beat off competition from Juventus and Fiorentina to sign the defender.

Reds chief executive Rick Parry revealed a deal is almost complete to sign the 26-year-old.

Parry said Dossena will be the ideal replacement for John Arne Riise, who signed for Roma after seven years at Anfield.

"John was an incredibly enthusiastic defender who was always a great pro," Parry told the club's official website.

"He worked hard and never gave us a minute's trouble. The fans will remember that powerful shot of his that brought them to their feet on many occasions.

"We had a good chat about his time here and he wants to thank the fans for the support he was given down the years. He secured Champions League and FA Cup success at Anfield and also helped us win the Worthington Cup and two European Super Cups."

Dossena passed a medical at Melwood on June 4th and pending the finalisation of paperwork, he will join Swiss full-back Phillip Degen as the new arrivals at Liverpool.