Liverpool are poised to beat Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of French youngster Moussa Sissoko.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who plays for Toulouse, is expected to leave France this summer with Premier League his preferred destination.
Sissoko turned down Bolton and Liverpool as teenager but now wants to get his chance at Anfield and is rumoured to have been discussing the move with his friends.
The arrival of Sissoko – who has played three times for France – would bolster Liverpool’s central midfield which has lacked defensive stability since the departures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.
It would also be another signal of intent from the club’s American owners and Director of Football Strategy Damien Commoli who prefer investing money in youngsters rather than senior stars.
Liverpool have also been linked with a loan move for Barcelona youngster Bojan Krkic as they look towards next season following a disastrous 2011/11 campaign.