Liverpool close to Rodriguez deal

Liverpool have "more or less agreed" a deal to bring Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez to Anfield, according to manager Rafael Benitez.

The Argentina international, 29, who is a close friend of Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, is likely to sign an 18-month contract with the Reds.

With Fernando Torres hampered by a niggling groin injury, Benitez is keen to bolster his attacking options.

"Now it's for Atletico and Maxi to talk and see what happens," he said.

"It's true we've talked to Atletico Madrid and we're interested in the player but still it's just conversations.

"You never know with timescales. It's a question of everything being more or less agreed."

Rodriguez can play on the right or as an attacking midfielder, although with Steven Gerrard normally occupying that position Benitez is likely to employ the 29-year-old on the wing.

The signing would further signal that Ryan Babel, who can play on the left or right of midfield, does not feature in Benitez's future plans.

Liverpool have already rejected a £9m bid from Birmingham for the Holland international but Benitez insists he could still have a future at Anfield.

But Benitez said: "I have not said that Ryan has to leave the club. We received an offer for the player and he said that he did not want to leave the club.

"Therefore we rejected the offer. He is a good player and he works hard, I want him in the squad."

He has now signed for Liverpool.