Liverpool complete signing of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones
Liverpool have completed the £2.3 million signing of goalkeeper Brad Jones from Middlesbrough.
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 3:08PM BST 18 Aug 2010
Link to this video Jones, who agreed terms and passed a medical earlier this week, has signed a three-year contract and will provide backup to first choice Pepe Reina at Anfield.
The 28-year-old Australia international cannot play in the first leg of his new club’s Europa League play-off against Turkish side Trabzonspor at Anfield tomorrow.
Regular number two Diego Cavalieri will be on the bench for the match but it could be one of his final acts for the club.
The 27-year-old Brazilian, signed from Palmeiras two years ago, has been given permission to speak to Italian Serie A newcomers Cesena.
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said: “When we had to submit the list for the matches Brad Jones was not signed for the club.
“We cannot put players on the bench that are not signed so Diego will be the substitute goalkeeper tomorrow.
“Then he will travel to Cesena for a medical. If that goes well the chances are we will have to use a third goalkeeper as a backup to Pepe (for the second leg).
“Diego has done a marvellous job but after two years of watching Pepe play every week, he made it clear to me that he thought he would lose his goalkeeping ability or his status as a first-team keeper.
“He made it clear he would like to leave and find a club where he can play on a regular basis.”
Hodgson believes he has found an adequate replacement in Jones who, having come through the Middlesbrough academy and having a British mother, fulfils ‘home-grown’ player criteria.
Hodgson said: “We set about the task of finding someone who would be as good a complement to Reina as Cavalieri has been.
“Brad Jones is the man we have chosen to back up Pepe Reina, to put him under pressure to some extent but, most importantly, be ready to play.”
Home 