Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the signing of Fabinho from Monaco in a deal which could be worth up to €50m (£43.7m).
Speculation emerged earlier this evening that the Reds had made an official approach for the 24-year-old following talks with Monaco, and the transfer is now thought to be close to completion.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to have identified Fabinho as an ideal replacement for Emre Can, who is expected to leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.
The Champions League finalists are also likely to be without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the start of next season due to injury, although they have already agreed a deal to sign Naby Keita from RB Leipzig this summer too.
The initial fee for Brazilian international Fabinho is expected to be €45m (£39.3m), with an additional €5m (£4.4m) in bonuses.
Fabinho, who has been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid in the past, was directly involved in 13 goals across 45 appearances this season.
Barney Corkhill
