Liverpool FC are on the brink of signing Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori for around £7million - one of four new arrivals boss Brendan Rodgers wants before Monday's transfer deadline.
The 20-year-old Portuguese centre-back is expected on Merseyside this weekend to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
Rodgers is also hoping to tie up deals for Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho, Chelsea winger Victor Moses and Aston Villa keeper Shay Given.
Liverpool have held positive talks with PSG over Sakho with the Reds close to agreeing a fee of around £12million. The France international is in the final year of his contract.
The ECHO understands that the targeting of two new centre-backs doesn't mean that any of the current crop will be moving on.
Rodgers views Ilori as an investment for the future with Sakho set to be brought in to compete with Daniel Agger, Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel for a first-team spot over the coming months.
The manager is also keen to boost his attacking options with a season-long loan deal for Moses still under discussion.
The Nigeria international is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge following their summer spending spree and there are a host of clubs keen to take him on.
Liverpool is Moses' favoured destination but Chelsea have so far been reluctant to allow him to make the switch to Anfield.
The Londoners view the Reds as a competitor for the Champions League spots this season and would prefer that he went elsewhere.
However, Liverpool are hoping their willingness to pay a loan fee and the 22-year-old's wages, coupled with the player's desire to sign, will help them get the deal done.
There is no truth in reports that the Reds have bid £19.7million for Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmalenko, but Rodgers is interested in bringing Villa's veteran shot-stopper Given to Anfield.
The 37-year-old is looking for a new club having fallen out of favour at Villa Park and the Reds are keen to secure his services.
Given's arrival wouldn't spell the end for Brad Jones with the Republic of Ireland star only having been offered the chance to be third choice behind Simon Mignolet and Jones.
Liverpool have been looking for more goalkeeping cover since Peter Gulacsi left to join Red Bull Salzburg.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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