Rafael Benitez is set to make his first signing since becoming Liverpool boss and he is returning to Spain to snap-up highly rated full back Josemi.

The 24-year-old - full name Jose Miguel Gonzalez Rey - is one of the most respected defenders in La Liga and has been widely tipped to leave Malaga this summer.

Benitez enquired about Malaga quartet Miguel Angel, Alexis, Juan Calatayud and Josemi last month and now he has pushed through his interest for the latter.

Atletico Madrid and Real Betis both attempted to land the player earlier this summer, while Bolton also watched him in action last season.

However, Bentitez has now secured the signing of the aggressive full back - who was booked over ten times last season.

Josemi's final action as a Malaga player came on Friday when he played in their friendly against German side Nurnberg.

However, he will leave his former team-mates to join-up with his new employers in America - where he will finalise his move, after his representatives agreed a four-year deal for him at Anfield.

Josemi is rated very highly in Spain but he has played just 92 league games since making his Malaga debut in 2001.

The arrival of the Spaniard is likely to pile the pressure on Irish full back Steve Finnan - who would have hoped to secure the right back spot for the coming season.