Reports in Denmark have suggested Liverpool are close to completing a deal for Brondby defender Daniel Agger.

State broadcasters DR say Agger's agent Per Steffensen was in Liverpool yesterday and the centre-back has now agreed personal terms with the European champions, who have only to agree a fee with Brondby - expected to be around £5.5million.

The 24-year-old has been a long term target for Benitez, who has been seeking cover for Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry told DR: "He is a central defender and we need at least one defender so we have a list of possibles.

"His name is on it - but that's all I want to say at this moment in time."