Liverpool Transfer News: Iago Aspas Signing Confirmed as Spanish Striker Becomes Third Summer Capture

Jun 23, 2013 10:36 PM EDT

Liverpool continued their summer spree by confirming the signing of forward Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo for an undisclosed fee.

"Liverpool Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of striker Iago Aspas, subject to international clearance.

"The deal with Celta Vigo is now complete and the 25-year-old has penned a long-term contract after passing a medical at Melwood."

The fee is thought to be in the region of £7.7 million ($11.8 million), and Aspas becomes the third confirmed signing of the summer, following the captures of Luis Alberto from Sevilla and Kolo Toure from Manchester City.

"Iago Aspas was one of the stars for Celta Vigo," Reds manager Brendan Rodgers told the club's official website. "He's a goalscorer, he's quick, dynamic, aggressive in his game and has a winning mentality.

"I feel these are the types of players that can come into Liverpool and keep our momentum moving forward. Players that are hungry to succeed, because that's important for us.

"We have to bring in players that are willing to fight for the shirt and these players are very much hungry to do that."

Rodgers also backed Alberto to become a hit at Anfield and believes the forward can make as much of an impact as January signing Philippe Coutinho.

"Young Luis is exactly the same (as Coutinho) -- a talented, very highly-rated young player when he was at Sevilla, but obviously spent last season at Barcelona B.

"He's a big talent and one for now that can play. He's got competitive games behind him and is one we see progressing over the next few years.

"Importantly, he knows the type of game and model we're trying to work in."

The manager said he was excited to bring Toure to Anfield, having admired the player for a long time.

"Kolo Toure is a player I've admired since he came into the Premier League," he added. "He was a wonderful servant for Arsenal and a part of that 'Invincibles' group and did exceptionally well, and in the transformation of Manchester City, they brought him in as one of their key players.

"We're losing an absolute colossal player in Jamie Carragher, who was absolutely brilliant for me. It's very, very hard to replace that type.

"Kolo Toure will give us that experience and winning mentality. He's still very fit, very strong and will come in, offer that support and fight for his place in the team."

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