Reds launch Spanish raid

Deportivo La Coruna claim defender Alvaro Arbeloa is on the verge of joining Liverpool.

The 24-year-old is expected to arrive on Merseyside on Tuesday with reports in Spain suggesting the fee will be in the region of £2.6million.

The Primera Liga club's spokesman Rafael Carpacho told PA Sport: "There is a verbal agreement between Deportivo and Liverpool for the permanent transfer of Arbeloa to Liverpool."

Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid defender, has made 20 league appearances for Deportivo this season.

Liverpool are also set to acquire the services of promising Spanish midfielder Francis Duran from second division team Malaga.

The 18-year-old was also due to travel to Liverpool and is expected to sign a professional contract with the Reds, according to the Spanish media.

Francis made his debut with Malaga's first team earlier this month but does not have a professional contract with the Andalucian outfit.

Instead, the midfielder has caught Liverpool's attention with a series of superb displays for their youth side.

Francis has been a target of Primera Liga side Real Zaragoza but Liverpool appear to have beaten them to the punch.

"It's a unique opportunity and I couldn't let it go by," Francis was quoted as saying in Spain.