Liverpool closing in on Rodriguez

The player has already announced the news to his teammates, said Marca, which did not indicate its sources.

The cash would help Atletico to buy striker Eduardo Salvio from Argentine club Lanus for €8 million.

Atletico has been active in the mid-season transfer window after a poor start to the season that has left it in 11th place in the Primera Liga, 17 points behind leaders Barcelona.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is desperate to add to his playing options following a dreadful first half of the season from his side.

Benitez is short on cash and has been reduced to bargain deals like Rodriguez and loan signings, with Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy among those linked with a loan move to Anfield.