Suarez helps seal Coates capture

Liverpool new boy Sebastian Coates has revealed that the Reds' Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez played a pivotal role in helping him decide to move to Anfield.

The 20-year-old Uruguay defender, who completed a transfer from Montevideo club Nacional to Liverpool on Tuesday night, was convinced by his compatriot that a move to Merseyside was the best option for his career.

He told www.liverpoolfc.tv: "Luis told me a lot about Liverpool - but about the fans more than anything else. I saw that myself on Saturday when the fans really got behind their side against Bolton and that was great to see."

He added: "Luis also told me about the history and the tradition of the club and now I feel very happy and excited to be here because I have left one great club in Nacional and signed for another great club with a fantastic history.

"To come to such a big club alongside a fellow countryman is very important for me. I know Luis will help me settle in, we have the same cultures and customs so having him around will help me a lot."

The capture of Coates was the main headline on another busy day for Liverpool, with more activity looking likely before the summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Wednesday night.

Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen, signed by Roy Hodgson last summer, looks set to join French club Evian after the clubs agreed a fee.

All-action Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles has been linked with a move to Chelsea, while it has been reported that Joe Cole could be heading to French champions Lille on loan for the rest of the season.