LIVERPOOL have made their first major signing of the off-season by landing full-back Glen Johnson

The Portsmouth right-back snubbed a return to Chelsea to wrap up a switch to Anfield. Johnson's arrival is a relief to Reds fans, who have seen boss Rafa Benitez struggle in the transfer market with his limited funds. A club statement read: "Liverpool FC confirmed .. an agreement with Portsmouth Football Club and with Glen Johnson for the transfer of the player to Anfield." Johnson's sale marks a major profit for Pompey, who signed the defender for just $8 millin from Chelsea two years ago. Since then, he has emerged as a serious contender for the right-back berth for England heading into next summer's World Cup finals. Benitez is eager to boost his backline ahead of the forthcoming season and the signing could mark the end of Alvaro Arbeloa's time at Anfield. The Spanish international has been linked with big-spending Real Madrid, while Barcelona are lining up a move for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Glen Johnson met up with his Anfield teammates for the first time on Wednesday - and we were there to snap some exclusive pictures at Melwood. The England defender will be officially paraded as a Liverpool player on today, when he will give his first interviews since swapping Fratton Park for Anfield last month. But before his unveiling as Rafael Benitez's first summer signing, our new right back was getting used to his new surroundings at the club's training complex.