Liverpool strengthen Spanish ties

Liverpool FC have added to their Spanish contingent by taking defender Álvaro Arbeloa from RC Deportivo La Coruña and Málaga CF's unheralded midfielder Francis Durán.

'Beautiful challenge'
Arbeloa only joined Deportivo last summer from Real Madrid CF but coach Joaquín Caparrós said they could not stand in the way of the 24-year-old's €4.5m transfer. "I'm happy for Arbeloa because players with such professionalism deserve a great reward," he said. The defender himself, meanwhile, admitted the move had come as a complete surprise, saying: "Until yesterday I wasn't sure whether I was going to leave Depor or not. For me this is a beautiful challenge and I hope everything goes well. It's a huge leap for me."

Liverpool dream
Midfielder Durán, at 18, becomes the latest talented teenager to join Liverpool in the transfer window after Dutch striker Jordy Brouwer and Argentinian defender Emiliano Insúa, while 21-year-old Italian goalkeeper Daniele Padelli has also signed. "It's a unique opportunity and I couldn't let it go by," said Durán. "I have spoken with Rafa Benítez, and I believe that this is the best option for me. To play for Liverpool is a dream for me and now I only want to fight to play for this club."