Liverpool transfer news: Alberto Moreno deal could reach £18m, with Martin Kelly set for Crystal Palace move

Initial fee of £12m for left-back could rise depending on international appearances

Alberto Moreno (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool could pay up to £18m for the Seville left-back Alberto Moreno, whose transfer was agreed last night ahead of Martin Kelly’s expected £2m departure from Anfield for Crystal Palace.

The arrival of the 22-year-old Spain defender represents a triumph for Liverpool’s managing director, Ian Ayre, who faced Seville demands for £20m at the start of the summer. The initial sum is £12m but the potential rise is understood to be linked in part to the player’s future appearances for Spain.

Moreno joins the right-back Javier Manquillo, on a two-season loan from Atletico Madrid, and central defender Dejan Lovren, signed from Southampton, as Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers dismantles a defence that was his side’s weak point last season.

Tiago Ilori is joining Bordeaux on loan and, though Liverpool want to keep Kolo Touré, they recognise the £1.5m offer from Trabzonspor for a 33-year-old who is not a regular starter is substantial.

Moreno will be Liverpool’s eighth signing this summer, and will vie with Jose Enrique to be Rodgers’ first-choice left-back.