Liverpool FC are reportedly nearing their sixth summer of the season, after submitting an improved offer for Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne.
The full-back has been the subject of a £9 million bid already from the Reds, which was quickly rejected by Ronald Koeman's Saints - who value the English international at £15 million.
But with only a year left on his contract, the 24-year-old could potentially leave for nothing next summer - and Liverpool are hoping their improved bid of £10.5 million, which will rise to £12.5 million with additional instalments, will be enough to tempt Southampton into doing business.
Since the Reds' first bid, the South Coast club have already signed another right-back in Sporting Lisbon's Cedric Soares, which seems to suggest they are resigned to losing their existing no.1.
Reds ready to make Clyne their first-choice right-back
Clyne would be the fourth signing from Southampton in just 12 months, after they signed the trio of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren last summer for a combined total of £50 million.
He would also address a key weakness in the side, with on-loan defender Javier Manquillo's future uncertain and Glen Johnson having left the club. Furthermore, Jon Flanagan is set to spend at least six more months on the sidelines after knee surgery, whilst Andre Wisdom is perceived to be adequate back-up but not a suitable starting option.
Clyne would therefore immediately become the club's first-choice on the right of defence, and an impressive one at that. He has scored three goals and created seven assists across three years in the Premier League with Southampton, also making his international debut for England last November, as his stock continues to rise.
A product of the Crystal Palace youth academy, Clyne also prompted interest from Manchester United - with a number of suitors closely monitoring his progress, but it seems that Liverpool have won the race to sign him.
Liverpool keen to continue summer investment
Clyne would become the Reds' sixth addition of the summer, with the window yet to have even officially opened. The biggest of which has undoubtedly been the latest, as the Reds reached an agreement with Hoffenheim to sign Roberto Firmino for a fee in the range of £29 million.
The Brazilian forward's arrival adds to Brendan Rodgers' growing list of existing business, which includes bringing in James Milner, Danny Ings and Adam Bogdan in on free transfers - as well as signing young promising English centre-back Joe Gomez from Charlton Athletic.
Liverpool are also pressing for further signings, with a new striker high on the agenda. Colombian striker Carlos Bacca is believed to be the club's first-choice, with Salomon Rondon also a possible alternative as the club's representatives watch the pair at the ongoing Copa America in Chile.
The Reds are also yet to have given up on Aston Villa's Christian Benteke, though they are baulking at the £32.5 million price tag set by the FA Cup runners-up.