Liverpool today confirmed that Republic of Ireland fullback Steve Finnan will join the Anfield club from Fulham for a fee of around £3.5 million.
The Republic of Ireland international has agreed personal terms and will officially become a Liverpool player by the end of the month.
Liverpool have been linked with Finnan for almost three months and the Fulham defender is now set to become their first signing of the summer as Gerard Houllier's side strengthen for next season.
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry told the clubs official website: "Steve is a very talented player who we were eager to bring to Anfield, we are pleased that he has agreed to join us and look forward to seeing him in action next season".
Limerick-born Finnan, who has not played for Ireland since the defeat in Moscow last year, is missing from Brian Kerr's squad this week with a groin strain.
The 27-year-old moved to Fulham from Notts County in 1998, and played over 200 games for the Cottagers. He will link up with his former assistant manager at Fulham, Frenchman Christian Damiano, who will become first-team coach at Anfield next season.
Finnan's international teammate Damien Duff is also thought to be a Liverpool target while in this morning's papers the Merseyside club have also been linked with Chelsea defender John Terry and AC Milan's Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf.