DANIEL AGGER today predicted Christian Poulsen’s rich footballing pedigree will ensure he becomes an instant Anfield hit.

Talks are at an advanced stage to wrap up a deal for Poulsen and Agger has made no secret of the fact he will be delighted when his compatriot finally puts pen-to-paper.

It is understood Liverpool have offered Poulsen – who has been given permission to withdraw from Denmark’s squad for the game against Germany – a three-year contract and Agger is in no doubt he will be a top addition to the squad.

Aside from being capped 77 times by his country, Poulsen has won league championships in Denmark and Italy, the UEFA Cup and European Cup with Sevilla and the German Cup with Schalke 04.

“Christian is more than welcome in our club,” said Agger. “Christian would be a perfect addition to most of the big clubs in Europe, so he will certainly fit in here.

“He is a top player and will make us stronger. We need to have big signings so we can compete and he is one of those players.

“Christian will improve the team. But we need more improvements if we want to be at the top of the league this season.

“Maybe he will find the pace of here a bit of a culture shock; he will have to get used to the extra high tempo and he won’t be able to drink café lattes like he does in Italy!

“He has played in Italy, Spain and Germany and done very well, so I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be a success with Liverpool.”

Reds boss Roy Hodgson launched Poulsen’s career at FC Copenhagen and the manager immediately identified him as being a top target, when doubts emerged over Javier Mascherano’s long-term future.

“Of course it will be nice to speak some Danish in the dressing room but that is not what counts,” said Agger. “The most important thing is that we add to the quality at the club. We have Mascherano but it looks like he is leaving so there is a gap there.

“I have spoken to Roy but Roy knows him so well that I couldn’t tell him anything that he did not know. Christian is a very good football player.”

Agger has given Hodgson a boost by reporting that he will be ready to face Arsenal in the Premier League opener.

The defender missed the 2-0 win over FC Rabotnicki with a slight back problem but has joined up with Denmark for their friendly in Copenhagen tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Hodgson has made his first appointment to his backroom staff; he has brought Mike Kelly, his number two at Fulham, to assist him at Anfield.