Reds agree Insua fee

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Fiorentina for the sale of defender Emiliano Insua and the player is travelling to Italy to discuss personal terms.

The Argentinian had a difficult season as injury to Fabio Aurelio meant he was first-choice left-back for most of the campaign and that eventually took its toll on his performances.

Insua has left the club's training camp in Switzerland to have talks with the Serie A outfit.

His imminent departure, combined with Aurelio being released after his contract expired, means manager Roy Hodgson's priority is finding a new left-back as soon as possible.

"We have agreed a fee for the sale of Emiliano Insua to Fiorentina and given them permission to speak with the player,'' said a club spokesman.

"Emiliano has now left our Swiss training camp and we'll make further comment when appropriate."

Insua arrived at Anfield in January 2007 from Boca Juniors and played 62 matches for the Reds.

Liverpool's friendly against Al-Hilal in Switzerland was called off after the pitch was deemed unplayable following heavy rain.

It means Hodgson will have to wait until Wednesday, when they face Swiss side Grasshoppers, for his first game since taking over from Rafael Benitez on July 1.

Hodgson thanked Insua for his service to the club.

"A deal has been struck with Fiorentina. We wish him well for the rest of his career and thank him for his time spent at Liverpool," he said.

"I am expecting him to join Fiorentina next week."

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