Liverpool to clinch Real Madrid's Helguera on Bosman

Liverpool are on the verge of closing a deal for Real Madrid defender Ivan Helguera.

The Mirror says Reds boss Rafa Benitez is set to tie up a free transfer deal for next season by coming to a pre-contract agreement with the player on January 1.

Helguera and Benitez are believed to have made a verbal agreement already, although nothing can be finalised until the beginning of the New Year.

Liverpool will have beaten Newcastle and Manchester United if they manage to secure a deal for the Spain international.