Transfer news – Liverpool snap up bench-warmer Brad Jones
Published:Liverpool have completed the £2.3m signing of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones, after the Australian international agreed a three-year deal at Anfield.
The 28-year-old is expected to provide cover for Liverpool’s first choice keeper Pepe Reina, whose mistake denied the Reds an opening weekend win against Arsenal.
Middlesbrough are 8/1 to win the Championship, and although Jones is currently their first choice in goal, a transfer fee of £2.3m for a player who has only made 75 appearances for the club in 10 seasons represents good business.
Jones joined the Teesside club in 2000, yet his path to the first team was blocked by fellow Australian Mark Schwarzer for a number of years.
Liverpool (5/4 to finish in the Premier League’s top four) were also keen to add Jones to their squad because he qualifies as a ‘home-grown’ player under the new Premier League rules, having joined Boro from Australian side Bayswater City 10 years ago.
Jones’ arrival appears to signal the end of Diego Cavalieri’s time at Anfield, however, and the Brazilian keeper has attracted interest from a host of European clubs, including Benfica.
In other news, Liverpool have decided not to appeal against the red card Joe Cole received on his Premier League debut against Arsenal, and the England midfielder will now miss Liverpool’s next three league fixtures.
Can Jones help Liverpool’s title bid? They are 12/1 to win the Premier League this season. See the full Barclays Premier League Betting Odds market.
