Liverpool Agree Luis Alberto Loan to La Liga Side Malaga

Liverpool have agreed terms to send offensive midfielder Luis Alberto on loan to Malaga until the end of the season, IBTimes UK understands.

The 21-year-old playmaker joined the Reds last summer after they paid £6.8m to Sevilla to secure his services but the youngster has struggled to secure a regular place under manager Brendan Rodgers during his first campaign at Anfield.

Alberto made his debut for Sevilla in April 2011 but spent the previous season just before his move to Liverpool on loan for Barcelona's B team playing– scoring 11 goals in the second division.

But after struggling to replicate his form at Liverpool, the Spaniard asked Rodgers to let him move out on loan to gain more experience in top flight football.

IBTimes UK revealed on Tuesday that talks between all three parties were very advanced and now sources close to the negotiations confirmed a deal could be confirmed today.

And even though some reports suggest Malaga will pay all Alberto's wages IBTimes UK can confirm both clubs will eventually share the salary – as the Spanish club cannot afford the whole amount.

Alberto is already in Malaga and after also agreeing personal terms with the Spanish club will sign his loan deal today until the end of the season.

Nevertheless, Rodgers has refused to allow Malaga the option of making the deal permanent at the end of next season as he still have big hopes in Alberto's future at Anfield

Indeed, questioned about Alberto recently, Rodgers said: "It was a signing for the long term, that was the idea.

"He's a young player who has come in and sampled life at a big club and made a contribution. He will stay with the group for the rest of the season and then we will review his development come the summer.

"It's probably been a difficult season for Luis because he hasn't had many opportunities to make an impact. But he needs to keep working. He's still a very young player and he does have quality."