Liverpool agree loan deal to sign defender Melgarejo

Lorenzo Melgarejo of Benfica and David Luiz of Chelsea compete for the ball during the UEFA Europa League Final between SL Benfica and Chelsea FC at Amsterdam Arena on May 15, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Paraguayan left-back Lorenzo Melgarejo from Benfica on a season-long loan, according to a report by Liverpool Echo.

The player will move to the club after the approval of his work permit application. Liverpool can make the move permanent by paying £7 million at the end of the season.

22-year-old Melgarejo is a versatile player, who can play as a wide midfielder and also as a full-back. He has one cap for his national team, and featured in Benfica’s run in the Europa League last season, including the final.

The player became available on the transfer market when Benfica moved to sign two left-backs, Silvio and Bruno Cortez, recently. Melgarejo is expected to provide competition to Jose Enrique at Liverpool.

Source: Liverpool Echo