Rafael Benitez returned to Spain to make Malaga defender Josemi his first signing since becoming Liverpool Manager and is expected to join up with the Reds during their United States tour.

Josemi is a tough defender and can operate at either right-back or centre-half. He began his career at home-town club Torremolinos before moving along the coast to Malaga as a teenager, and is now considered a future Spain international. The highly rated 24-year-old, real name Jose Miguel Gonzales Rey, rejected approaches from Atletico Madrid and Real Betis this summer to join Liverpool.

Josemi said - I am really happy because this is an unbeatable opportunity. If I was ever going to leave Malaga it was for something like this. This is a proud moment for everybody connected with me."It's what I have always dreamed about and now I have the chance to play for a big team. I wasn't expecting the move but this has all happened in two days and everything has worked out in an instant. I still haven't taken it in and when I get there I will try to adapt well and be patient."