Liverpool have moved quickly to replace Xabi Alonso by signing the Roma and Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani. Only hours after Alonso completed a medical at Real Madrid, sealing a £30m move to the La Liga club, Liverpool announced they had captured Aquilani, subject to a medical. The fee is believed to be in the region of £18m.

"Alberto is a very good player and I'm delighted we've reached agreement with Roma for his transfer," said the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez. "He will travel to Merseyside later this week for a medical. 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."

It has been mooted for some time that Liverpool would move for Aquilani, who has just celebrated his 25th birthday, if, as has happened, they failed to hold onto Alonso, but the speed of the deal suggests he has been marked as the Spaniard's replacement at Anfield for some time.

Aquilani made his debut for Roma in 2003 under Fabio Capello. He has 11 full caps and was part of the squad that competed at Euro 2008.