Liverpool are closing in on £25million Burnley centre-back Michael Keane with Jurgen Klopp targeting the England star as he looks to revamp his defence.
The Mirror claims personal terms have already been agreed as Burnley resign themselves to losing their best defender.
Keane, 24, is reportedly waiting to make sure Liverpool qualify for next season’s Champions League before committing himself to a move.
The former Manchester United star has also been watched closely by Jose Mourinho, but the Special One is yet to act on his interest.
But there’s a catch.
According to reports, United included a 25% sell-on fee when Keane was sold to Burnley in 2015.
That means should Liverpool fork out £30m for the ex-Red Devils centre-back, they’ll effectively be handing £6.5m to their great rivals.
Tottenham and Everton have also monitored Keane who has starred since leaving United for the Clarets in 2015.
The Stockport stopper made his England debut in March and made the shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
And Mourinho may yet rue the decision of predecessor Louis van Gaal to let the academy graduate leave.
United could yet launch a late bid if Keane is willing to wait and see if they can join Liverpool in Europe’s premier competition.
Their best chance would come through the Europa League as they head into Thursday’s semi-final home leg against Celta Vigo with a slender one-goal lead.