Liverpool are moving closer to a full agreement to sign Alexis Mac Allister - and are hopeful of completing the deal this week.
The Reds have agreed in principle the outlines of a fee with Brighton, which would cover the clause allowing him to leave in his contract and has been reported to be below £60m.
And with personal details set to be finalised this week, boss Jurgen Klopp is increasingly confident of bringing in his first major signing of the summer before the end of the week.
The deal for the World Cup star would be seen as something of a coup for Liverpool, with interest from clubs across Europe in the 24 year old midfielder, who put himself on the world football map with some outstanding performances at the Qatar World Cup.
His father Carlos - who acts as his agent - flew into the UK at the weekend to finalise details, with members of his family suggesting back home in Argentina that the agreement was now close, and would be finalised imminently.
Klopp has been keen to get at least one of his transfer targets over the line in the early days of the window, allowing him time to set his plans for the summer, and start the rebuild of his midfield.
And Mac Allister himself indicated he was about to join another club, with an emotional statement to Brighton fans at the weekend, when he seemed to say goodbye to the club where he made his name.
"It was an honour to represent Brighton & Hove Albion FC in a World Cup but to become the first-ever World Cup winner for this club it will be unforgettable (hopefully you will have more), as it will be your welcome after it,” he wrote on Instagram.
"3 years and a half ago, we were fighting for relegation and today, after so much sacrifice, suffering and work, this group will be in the history of this club for becoming the first time this club will play Europe League.
"We achieved it all together and that’s why we have to feel very proud. VAMOOOOOS."
