Spanish striker Iago Aspas has declared that he feels ready to prove his worth in the Premier League with Liverpool, while admitting that he hopes to do so alongside Luis Suarez.
Aspas looks certain to complete a £7m summer switch from Celta Vigo this week, fresh from spearheading their last-gasp survival in La Liga with 12 goals.
The 25-year-old believes that he has not been courted by Brendan Rodgers to replace Suarez, despite the Uruguayan's discontentment with life on Merseyside.
He told The Mirror: "Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am going there to take an important step in my career, not to be a replacement for anyone.
"I think it is time for me to take the next step in my career and Liverpool can help me do that. I have confidence in my ability to move forward and to grow as a player. I described the move as emotional for me because it is such a big club and it means I've reached another level. But I am calm because I feel I am ready. I want to show that I am capable of playing at the level of this huge club.
"I am excited to be going to England, I want to play in the Premier League. And I hope I will be helped to settle there by all the Spanish speakers at the club, including Luis Suarez."
The Reds are confident of officially confirming the deal this weekend, with a wrangle over the appropriate paperwork thought to be the reason for a slight delay in proceedings.
Liam Power
