Rodgers excited by Borini arrival

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says new signing Fabio Borini is a 'big talent' and has high hopes for the youngster.

The striker became Rodgers' first signing as Reds boss after finalizing a long-term deal from Roma to Anfield for a fee believed to be in the region of £7.9million.

Borini will be reunited with Rodgers, with whom he worked in the Chelsea youth set up, for a second time having spent a short spell on loan at Swansea in the 2010/11 season.

And Rodgers is confident the Italian can play a prominent role in the coming seasons for Liverpool.

"Fabio fits the model of what we're trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future," he told liverpoolfc.com.

"He's a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game - and a big part of what you want from a player.

"I think the supporters will love him. He's a multi-functional player who can play in a number of positions and someone I believe has got great growth.

"I'd anticipate that over the next two or three years he'll really progress and I'm sure do very well for Liverpool.

"He is arguably the best physical player I've worked with in terms of his pace, power and fitness.

"Mentally, he's very strong. We've got a player who is on the up and someone who I think Liverpool will benefit from."

For his part, Borini is desperate to reward Rogers' faith in him by firing Liverpool back into the Champions League.

"I hope to achieve the maximum I can, by scoring goals, getting into the Champions League and all of the things the club also wants - and all the other players," he said.

"It's a top club that has won a lot of trophies in the past - and will do so in the future we hope as well."

While his arrival signals the start of Rodgers' restructuring there are other players awaiting developments over their futures, although midfielder Maxi Rodriguez has already finalized his.

The 31-year-old Argentinean has rejoined former club Newell's Old Boys in his homeland having never established himself as a regular first-team starter after joining from Atletico Madrid in January 2010 but he still managing some stand-out performances.

Rodriguez scored 17 goals in 73 appearances, the highlights being two hat-tricks in the space of a couple of weeks against Birmingham and Fulham in 2011, while last season he scored in two victories over Chelsea in quick succession at Stamford Bridge.

Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll have also been subject to increased speculation over the past few days.

Bellamy has only a year left on his contract and is attracting interest from hometown club Cardiff and QPR - whose manager Mark Hughes has twice previously signed the Welshman.

Many critics do not see Carroll, linked with AC Milan, West Ham and Fulham, fitting into Rodgers' preferred 4-3-3 system or being suited to a possession game built on high-energy movement.