Reds close on Dossena

Italian set to complete transfer next week

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 26th June 2008

udinese andrea dossena

Dossena: On brink of Liverpool switch

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Liverpool have announced they are finally ready to confirm the signing of left-back Andrea Dossena.

The Reds have been close to striking a deal with Udinese for some time and last week they stepped up their pursuit after letting John Arne Riise join Roma.

The transfer is virtually completed and Liverpool expect to make an announcement next week when the paperwork is pushed through.

The defender, an Italian international, will become Rafa Benitez's second signing of the summer following Philipp Degen's arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

"We are now ready to confirm the signing of Dossena," chief executive Rick Parry told the club's official website.

"The deal should go through next week after finalising the paperwork."

Riise praise

Parry has also paid tribute to Riise, who spent seven years at Anfield.

He said: "John was an incredibly enthusiastic defender who was always a great pro.

"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."