Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is poised for talks with Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan this week as he attempts to seal a £20 million deal.
As first revealed by Telegraph Sport, Rodgers has identified Mkhitaryan as his flagship signing for the summer and has tabled a bid which is believed to have triggered a release clause inserted into the 24-year-old's contract by the Ukrainian champions.
Liverpool are now waiting for the go-ahead to meet the Armenia international, one of the most highly regarded playmakers in Europe, and are hopeful of completing a transfer that will represent a huge statement of intent.
Ian Ayre, the club's managing director, cancelled a trip to attend an economics conference in Brazil to remain in England to assist in the deal and Liverpool will step up their bid to sign him in the next 48 hours.
Liverpool are understood to be aware of potential competition from a German club, possibly Borussia Dortmund, and know an impressive sales pitch is required to convince Mkhitaryan to move to Anfield.
Rodgers has already signed Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas and Kolo Touré from Manchester City, but Mkhitaryan's signing will be seen as a real coup if they can finalise the deal.
Mkhitaryan scored 25 goals for Shakhtar last season and produced an excellent performance in his country's defeat of Denmark in their World Cup qualifier six days ago.
Liverpool are confident of finally completing the capture of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet this week, with a restructured bid likely to be made on Monday. Sunderland value Mignolet at £10 million and while Liverpool's second bid of £8 million was rejected. A compromise figure is expected to be reached.
Source: Telegraph
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