Arbeloa set for Madrid

Full back Alvaro Arbeloa is set to join Real Madrid this week.

The Spanish international was the only player not used in the Reds’ 5-0 win over Singapore, with Rafa Benitez preferring to use Philipp Degen and midfielder Jay Spearing at right-back.

The 26 year-old is believed to have told teammates that a deal was close to being finalised and that he hopes to have the move completed by next weekend.

Arbeloa, who started his career at Madrid before moving to Deportivo La Coruna in 2006, joined Liverpool in January 2007 for £3m – of which Madrid themselves received 50%. He has made 66 appearances, scoring twice.