There were appearances for Liverpool's new Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, signed from Sunderland, while Ivory Coast centre-back Kolo Toure also featured following his arrival from Manchester City.

The centre-back's contract with Manchester City expired on Monday and the 32-year-old, whose move had been planned for some time, completed the formalities when the new transfer window opened.

If the paperwork is completed, Aspas will become Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers's second signing of the summer following a deal for defender Kolo Toure who was signed from Manchester City.

The 32-year-old joined Manchester City in 2009, and was initially installed as captain. But he lost his place in the starting line-up and moves to Liverpool when his contract expires on July 1.

Kolo Toure, who joined City from Arsenal in 2009, said he will leave the club with a heavy heart as he seeks a fresh challenge after not being offered a new deal.

Manchester City duo Yaya and Kolo Toure appear set to miss Sunday's FA Cup tie against Manchester United after a bid to delay their Africa Cup of Nations call-up was rejected by Ivory Coast coach Francois Zahoui.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has brushed off comments attributed to defender Kolo Toure which suggested the player feels he has fallen out of favour for having played in the Africa Cup of Nations (ANC).

An English Football Association report says Kolo Toure's obsession with the appearance of his stomach led to him taking banned water tablets that resulted in a six-month doping suspension.

Didier Drogba on Thursday spoke out in defence of his Ivory Coast international teammate Kolo Toure and said his failed drug test was a "stupid mistake".

Manchester City's Ivory Coast international defender Kolo Toure has been suspended after failing a drugs test, his club announced on Thursday.