Football: Ace Agger agrees to join Reds.

Byline: By RICHARD WILLIAMSON

RAFAEL BENITEZ is backing Danish defender Daniel Agger to make a swift impact at Anfield.

The Liverpool manager believes the arrival of the Brondy centre half will strengthen his side's push for honours in the second half of the season.

Agger was on Merseyside yesterday to put the finishing touches to making the move he has favoured after the two clubs struck a deal with a fee of around pounds 5.8m exchanging hands for the 21-year-old. The player agreed personal terms yesterday to pave the way for an official unveiling today.

The transfer fee represents a club record for a centre half, but Benitez believes it is a worthwhile investment for both the present campaign and the club's longer-term future.

Benitez had ear-marked a new central defender as a crucial part of his squad building but had to bide his time before landing his man after a summer move for Agger failed to materialise.

"Daniel is a player we have been following for a long time," he said as the player underwent his medical at Melwood. "We first spoke to Brondby about the player when we were in Monaco playing the Super Cup final. At that time, their chairman said he wasn't for sale.

"We scouted Daniel for a long time but then he picked up an inj ury. When he returned to fitness we watched his first game back and we knew he was at the kind of level we require, even though he played only 25 minutes.

"We've been told he's one of the best centre-halves in Denmark for 20 years. A lot of scouts have spoken highly of him and there has been lots of interest from other clubs."

Agger has already crossed swords with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as he figured in the Denmark side that handed out a 4-1 thumping to England in August.

"People will remember he played particularly well in the international against England earlier this season," observed Benitez. "That match surprised a lot of people, but it confirmed to us he could play at a particularly high level, which is why we've continued to follow him."

Liverpool's defence has been in rock solid form this season, but the reliance on the centre partnership of Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia showed the first signs of cracks appearing when they surprisingly shipped three goals to Championship side Luton Town in the third round FA Cup tie they went on to win 5-3.

Benitez believes Agger's desire to do well at the highest level will provide instant competition for places, something he has always wanted to instill into his squad.

"I think he is a very clever type of defender," Benitez added. "His positional sense is very good, for example, and he reads the game well. Of course, there are areas he needs to improve, but he is young and we will help him.

"He will be an option for the first team within a short space of time. First he will need to improve his physical condition but then he will put both Sami and Carra under pressure for their place. This is an area where we've had no competition until now.

"He can't play in the Champions League, but when you sign a player who's only 21 years old, he is for the future of the club."

CAPTION(S):

Defender Daniel Agger