Liverpool Agree £8 Million Deal for Swedish Midfielder - Report

Liverpool have reportedly agreed an £8 million deal to sign Swedish midfielder Rasmus Elm from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, according to The Sun.

The 24 year old has scored 10 goals in his last 17 games for the Eredivisie club this season, convincing Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish to make a move. It is reported that Elm will move to Anfield on a five-year contract worth a £40,000 a week.

The Reds manager even made a trip to Holland to watch Elm play against Feyenoord on Sunday. However, Dalglish was left disappointed since the player was absent as his wife went into labour but that did not affect the deal going through.

The Swede had been linked with a host of big clubs after some impressive performances in Holland. Manchester United, AC Milan and Bayern Munich were all reportedly interested in the Swedish international but it now appears that Liverpool have won the battle for his signature.

Elm joined Alkmaar from Swedish club Kalmar FF in 2009 and has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the Eredivisie side. Liverpool have been monitoring the midfielder for some time now and reportedly sent top scout Steve Hitchen to run the rule over the player a few days ago, according to the Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, Reds midfielder Jay Spearing says he fully deserves his place in the Liverpool starting line-up, despite new signings arriving in the summer. Spearing has been able to force his way into Dalglish's plans this season and has now become a regular starter, due to long term injuries suffered by Lucas Leiva and Charlie Adam.

"I thought to myself I would get myself ready and fight and earn the place I personally think I deserve. I had that confidence to prove to the boss exactly what I could do. There was never any inkling to move on. Liverpool is where I have always wanted to be a part of. I want to get better and follow in the footsteps of players like Steven Gerrard, who also came through the academy like me, and if I can do that I will be very happy," Goal.com quoted the 23 year old as saying.

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