Luis Alberto Set for Liverpool Medical on Friday

With Sevilla rumored to be unhappy with Liverpool's initial approach for Luis Alberto, it appeared that the deal for the young forward wasn't quite as close as had been previously reported. With Barcelona not exercising their option for a player who flourished on loan last season, though, Liverpool were left as the only reported suitors, and today it looks as though the clubs have been able to come to an agreement, with Alberto set to arrive on Merseyside to complete his medical.

From the BBC:

BREAKING: Sevilla winger Luis #Alberto, 20, scheduled to arrive on Merseyside on Friday for medical before completing £6.8m move to #lfc

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 20, 2013

I can't recall if £6.8m is a figure right around the mark from earlier discussions or slightly higher; whatever the case, that's not too high a cost for a player that many have identified as being ready for first-team football almost immediately. Where he fits in the current squad remains to be seen--obviously a great deal of Liverpool's attack depends on the presence of Luis Suarez, but Alberto's someone who's reportedly adaptable enough to function throughout the forward areas, known for linking well and setting things up in the final third. That type of depth is badly needed, with Philippe Coutinho one of the only creators with skill and craft in the current squad.

With Andy Carroll's exit confirmed, Kolo Toure announced, and Iago Aspas set for...something, we're now looking at a healthy bit of actual business accomplished. Larger deals loom, but this is one that I think we can feel good about once it's all said and done.

Read More: Sevilla "Not Satisfied Yet" With Alberto Offer