Liverpool sign keeper, extend Škrtel stay

Liverpool FC have signed goalkeeper Brad Jones from Middlesbrough FC for a €2.8m fee while also handing defender Martin Škrtel a two-year extension to his Anfield deal.

Jones, 28, has penned a three-year contract at Liverpool, who host Trabzonspor AŞ in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off on Thursday. The Australian international will compete with Reds No1 Pepe Reina and current deputy Diego Cavalieri for a first-team spot under boss Roy Hodgson.

"It's not going to be easy to get past Pepe," said Jones, who made 58 league appearances for Middlesbrough since his debut in 2003/04. "He's shown over the last couple of years how good he is. You don't play for the clubs he's played for and the tournaments he's played in and not be world class."

The 25-year-old Škrtel's new deal will keep him on Merseyside until 2014. He joined Liverpool in January 2008 from FC Zenit St. Petersburg and has gone on to play 55 Premier League games. "Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world so I am proud I can play here for four more years," he said.