The Greek International has signed.

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RAFAEL BENITEZ has moved to ease Liverpool’s centre-back concerns by agreeing a deal to sign Greece international Sotiris Kyrgiakos.

The Anfield manager has been keen to bolster his defensive options given the summer departure of Sami Hyypia and ongoing concerns over the fitness of Daniel Agger.

And his search has now ended with the capture of AEK Athens centre-back Kyrgiakos.

While the two clubs have been in talks for several days, the deal was in danger of collapsing with AEK wanting around £3million for the 30-year-old and Benitez having only half as much remaining from his summer transfer budget.

But a compromise was reached yesterday with the Greek outfit accepting an initial fee of £1.5m.

Kyrgiakos is expected to travel to Merseyside today where he will undergo a medical and agree personal terms before completing the transfer.

The defender said his goodbyes to the AEK squad yesterday and it is believed his determination to move to Anfield persuaded the Greek outfit to accept a deal.

“I’m moving to a big club, a very big club,” said Kyrgiakos. “It’s a big opportunity for me and I simply couldn’t say no.” (Liverpool Daily Post)

He may not be a big name but could well be a good back up option. We have three top notch centre backs and it has always been a case of getting solid cover and whether that was in the form of a good up and coming talent or a vastly experienced head was not that important. Clearly Rafa went for the mature player option and I think this signing is not that bad in terms of dealing with an injury crisis. It’s not a big name signing but it’s a signing that needed to be made and it was done swiftly and cheaply.

I only hope we have a little more in kitty for a back up striker.

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