Jovanovic agrees pre-contract

Liverpool have agreed a pre-contract deal with Milan Jovanovic after convincing the Standard Liège striker he will be given the opportunity to impress at Anfield next season.

The Serbia international, 28, is out of contract at the end of the season and is understood to have accepted a three-year deal with Liverpool, having initially harboured reservations that he would become part of the supporting cast for Fernando Torres should he move to Merseyside.

Rafael Benítez had hoped to sign a new striker during the recent transfer window but the agreement for Jovanovic, who is expected to earn around £10m over the course of his Anfield contract, will encourage the Liverpool manager that he retains the support of the club's board for long-term planning despite a poor season on the pitch.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.