Liverpool defender Daniel Agger looks set to finally be making his return to playing football after being sidelined through injury since mid-September.

The Danish international centre-back broke a metatarsal during Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at Portsmouth four months ago but is set to play in the Liverpool Reserves’ trip to Blackburn Rovers on Thursday.

The news comes in the same week that a new young defender is set to arrive at Anfield – Slovakian international, Martin Skrtel.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez confirmed Agger’s good news. “Agger will play for the reserve team at Blackburn and for us it’s like signing a new player,” said Benitez. “He is very close to starting a game for the first team.

“The injury he had wasn’t a bad one but we had problems also with Xabi Alonso so we needed to be careful and we have missed him. We will be much better in the second part of this season.”

Chief Executive Rick Parry has returned from New York in a positive mood where he met with club owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks regarding plans for the new stadium.

Although no definite dates have been decided about the work on the new stadium’s construction, Parry remained confident that the club would get the stadium it wants.

“It was a very full day,” said Parry. “We had two very detailed and very informative presentations which were very thorough and extremely professional. It has been another big step forward to finding the best possible solution and the whole meeting was very constructive.

“Everyone is reflecting on what they have heard and a clear decision will be taken soon.”

Discuss the stadium plans with other fans here.

Meanwhile as Liverpool aim to complete the transfer for Skrtel in the next 24 hours, other transfer rumours are linking the Reds with January transfer window moves for Villarreal’s Matias Fernandez. Liverpool-based radio station Radio City also reported that the club have been linked with a move for £5million Bolton midfielder Kevin Nolan. For more transfer rumours, reports and gossip, click here to see our Rumour Mill.