Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool have added additional power and leadership to their defensive ranks with the acquisition of Dejan Lovren.

The Croatian centre-back has inked a long-term deal with the Reds to tie up his move from Southampton, and will jet out to the United States to join up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour.

"This is a very important signing for us and I'm delighted it's completed so Dejan can join up with us on our US tour," Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com.

"He is a commanding and powerful presence and clearly has leadership skills, which is important; he fits the profile of player we are looking for.

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"He is still relatively young, so his peak years are ahead of him and I believe he will improve and progress even further with us.

"I'm looking forward to him arriving and working with us as we continue our preparations for the new season."