Reds clinch Itandje deal
Liverpool have completed the signing of Lens goalkeeper Charles Itandje, according to the French club.
The capture of 24-year-old former France Under-21 international comes ahead of the Champions League registration deadline and allows England hopeful Scott Carson to join Aston Villa on loan.
Carson, who spent last season at Charlton, had requested another move in order to maintain his presence in the England squad.
Spain number one Jose Reina is the established first choice at Anfield.
A Lens statement read: "The directors of Lens have concluded the definitive sale of Charles Itandje to Liverpool Football Club. The Lens goalkeeper leaves Lens after six years of good and loyal service. We wish him good luck and best wishes for his future career."
Itandje will be eligible to take his place in the squad for next week's Champions League qualifier in Toulouse.
Liverpool landed the player after seeing him linked with Manchester United, Villa, Lyon and Real Betis recently.
He will effectively take the place in the squad of Jerzy Dudek, who moved to Real Madrid over the summer.
Carson is still regarded highly by Benitez but the Spaniard could not see him featuring regularly this term. His loan move to Villa will no go through but he will not be able to play against Liverpool in their season opener this weekend due to Premier League rules preventing players facing parent clubs.
