Aquilani: I want to play with Kop stars; Benitez: Aquilani has right qualities.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

ALBERTO AQUILANI admits he cannot wait for the opportunity to line up as Liverpool player alongside Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

The Roma midfielder arrived on Merseyside yesterday to undergo a medical and negotiate personal terms after being given permission to speak to the Anfield outfit.

Liverpool had already agreed a fee that could eventually rise to pounds 20m, which would make Aquilani the second-most expensive player in the club's history.

Although the transfer has not yet been completed, Aquilani has already expressed his thanks to the Roma supporters.

And the 25-year-old says he could not resist the invitation to play for "one of the biggest clubs in the world".

"Obviously I feel very sorry to leave my city and Roma," said Aquilani.

"But should the deal be completed with Liverpool it would be fantastic to play with players like Gerrard and Torres and the others.

"Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I am moving on. I want to cordially thank all the Roma fans, who were like neighbours to me. I was always a fan of Rome and still am."

From Back Page Rafael Benitez believes Aquilani is the perfect midfield replacement for Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid in a pounds 30m transfer on Tuesday .

"He is a player with the quality we are looking for," said the Liverpool manager. "He can play a little bit higher than Javier Mascherano - maybe between him and Steven Gerrard .

"He has good passing - the final ball is good - and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition.

"I think the signing should excite the fans. He won the under-19 European Championship with his country, and U21 too. He has some trophies - including the Italian Cup.

"I always remember one game - England versus Italy U21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win."

With Alonso having departed, Benitez is determined to retain his other midfield options, having previously told Javier Mascherano he will not be sold despite continued interest from European champions Barcelona.

But according to reports emerging from Brazil, Lucas Leiva is contemplating a move back to his homeland in a bid to bolster his claims for a place in his country's World Cup squad next summer.

Lucas has been an impressive performer in pre-season, but it is claimed the 22-year-old has held talks swith Corinthians president Andre Sanches.

And Brazilian TV station Terra quoted Lucas as saying: "You have to see what Rafa Benitez plans, the president of Corinthians already knows that I am interested and what I want."

One player who could be on his way out of Anfield is Adam Hammill.

Barnsley, where the young winger was on loan last season, have agreed a deal with Liverpool but could be gazumped by Leeds United.

Meanwhile, Daniel Pacheco scored the only goal as a Liverpool XI secured a 1-0 win over Irish minnows Dunmanway Town in Cork yesterday afternoon.

A remarkable crowd of more than 7,000 turned out to see John McMahon's youngsters take on the amateur West Cork Soccer League side.

Benitez: Aquilani has right qualities

CAPTION(S):

Alberto Aquilani flies in Midfielder Lucas Leiva