19.08.2004 - Spanish duo set to sign

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Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia could become the next signings of Rafael Benitez on Friday, with Liverpool said to be close to completing deals to bring both players to Anfield.

Reports in Spain suggest that a fee has been agreed to sign Garcia from Barcelona, while Alonso has said his goodbyes to the Real Sociedad fans, after confirming that Liverpool will be the club he is moving to.

The two players will cost a total of almost £18million, and if signed early enough, both could be registered with the Premier League in time to be in contention for a place in the squad for Saturday's home match against Man City.

Antonio Nunez will not be involved though, after he was ruled out of action for 4 weeks, following a knee injury which he picked up in training yesterday.

Nunez was hoping to take part in last night's reserve match at Middlesbrough before picking up the injury, and the club's most recent signing must now face a month on the sidelines before he can make his first appearance for the Reds.