London, Aug 6 : Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has filled Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso''s boots with a 20 million pound swoop for Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

The Liverpool chief agreed on a deal for Alberto within hours of Alonso passing the medical test, which sealed his 30 million pound switch to Real Madrid.

Benitez had identified Alberto as Alonso''s replacement as soon as Real Madrid''s interest were known, but before finalising a four-year deal Alberto has to pass a stringent medical to prove that he has completely recovered from the ankle surgery that he underwent in May.

“Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League. He has long been recognised as a top-class talent in Italy, captaining his country at both Under-19 and Under-21 levels before establishing himself in the senior national side,” The Sun quoted Benitez, as saying.

“Alberto will travel to us for a medical later in the week and I''m delighted we''ve reached agreement with Roma for him,” he added. (ANI)