Soccer: Anderlecht have struck a deal to sign out-of-favour forward Milan Jovanovic from Liverpool. The Belgian side announced the news on their website, saying that the deal will be completed once the Serb passes a medical on Thursday.
Jovanovic, now 30, joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Standard Liege last summer, having impressed former Reds boss Rafael Benitez, but he was unable to establish himself in the Premier League.
Anderlecht stated on Tuesday: "RSC Anderlecht and Liverpool FC reached today, Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011, an agreement on the transfer of Liverpool striker Milan Jovanovic."
The Reds later confirmed the deal.
Jovanovic had been linked with Anderlecht for several weeks, with there seemingly little prospect of him forcing his way into manager Kenny Dalglish's long-term plans at Anfield.
The Serbian had been a huge success in Belgium with his previous club, boasting an impressive goals-per-game strike rate and catching the eye in the Champions League group stages in 2009.
Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck on Tuesday described negotiations with Liverpool as "long, but fruitful" and spoke of Jovanovic's "undeniable talent" and "requisite experience" being key qualities.
Alberto Aquilani could also soon be on his way out of the club as Liverpool seek to shed a portion of their massive wage bill.
Milan have jumped to the front of the queue for the Italian midfielder, with Fiorentina's negotiations having broken down last week. Despite impressing in pre-season, Aquilani would jump at the chance to return to Serie A on a permanent basis, with champions Milan eyeing up a bargain.
The 27-year-old's agent, Franco Zavaglia, believes the Premier League side could be prepared to sell the player for as little as €10 million, having paid Roma around €20 million almost two years ago.
Zavaglia confirmed there is truth in Milan's interest, and he expects to speak with the club's representatives after their Super Cup meeting with Inter in Beijing on Saturday.
"When you speak of such a negotiation, there is always an element of truth," he told ilsussidiario.net . "Galliani is now in China for the Italian Super Cup, but I expect to talk to him when he comes back to Milan. I think an agreement could be reached for a figure around €10 million."
However, Liverpool may hold out for a higher fee to minimise their potential loss, and Zavaglia is aware Aquilani's future remains in his club's hands.
He added: "Aquilani is still tied to a three-year contract with Liverpool and before his eventual departure we will talk with the leadership of Liverpool. It seems clear to me that the player doesn't fall into the technical plans of the coach, so the suggestion of his departure is concrete."
