It’s understood Liverpool have agreed a fee of around £67million with Roma for Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson.
The deal signifies a record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, a major increase on the £47million that Juventus paid Parma for Gianluigi Buffon back in 2001.
Alisson, who was the starting shot-stopper for Brazil at the World Cup, had seemingly been on course to join Real Madrid earlier this summer.
But Real’s interest cooled and the La Liga giants now look to have turned their attention to Chelsea’s Belgian international Thibaut Courtois.
Alisson is now expected on Merseyside in order to undertake a medical, having already reportedly agreed personal terms.
If things go as planned, the 25-year-old seems certain to become the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper after major issues between the posts in recent seasons.
After a few high-profile errors, Simon Mignolet was replaced by Loris Karius last season, after the German signed for Liverpool from Mainz back in 2016.
Karius was first choice last term but his campaign finished with two howlers in the Champions League final, which led to Real Madrid winning 3-1 and lifting the trophy for the third straight year.
More mistakes from the German during pre-season have forced Jurgen Klopp’s hand and he has decided that now is the time to bring in an established world-class keeper. Alisson’s likely arrival could now mean the end for both Mignolet and Karius at Anfield, with Klopp admitting he will give Danny Ward the chance to prove his worth.
Alisson, who kept 16 clean sheets in 37 Serie A appearances last season, has spent two seasons with Roma having moved to the Italian capital from Brazilian club Internacional in July 2016.
Having been in World Cup action, the Brazil international is likely to be given an extended break but he could team up with the Reds on their pre-season tour of America. The Reds will face Borussia Dortmund, Man City and Man Utd in three games in the USA.
Liverpool then play two friendlies in early August, against Napoli and Torino, before kicking off their Premier League campaign with a home clash against West Ham on Sunday August 12.