REDS SWOOP FOR SPANISH PAIR

Liverpoolfc.tv 31 January 2007 Liverpool have completed the signings of Deportivo La Coruna defender Alvaro Arbeloa and Malaga midfielder Francisco Manuel Duran.

Both players have passed medicals on Merseyside and finalised their moves from Spain ahead of the transfer deadline. Arbeloa joined Deportivo from Real Madrid last year and has made 20 appearances in La Liga this season. He admits the move to Anfield has come as a complete surprise, but now he's looking forward to linking up with Rafael Benitez and his new team-mates. "Until yesterday I wasn't sure whether I was going to leave or not," he said. "My agent told me the deal was very advanced and I was then told that the deal had been reached between both clubs. "For me this is a beautiful challenge and I hope everything goes well. It's a huge leap for me." The Reds have also swooped to sign 18 year old Duran from Malaga. "It's a unique opportunity and I couldn't let it go by," he said. "I have spoken with Rafa Benitez, and I believe that this is the best option for me. "To play for Liverpool is a dream for me and now I only desire to fight to play finally for the club."