Liverpool FC are in talks with 1. FSV Mainz 05 over the potential signing of goalkeeper Loris Karius, and are increasingly confident of completing the deal, report the Liverpool Echo.
The Reds, who today landed in Basel ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final, are sure so strengthen in the summer, with manager Jürgen Klopp lining Karius up as his primary goalkeeping target.
Cheap deal for talented young goalkeeper
With his current contract at the Bundesliga club expiring in two years time, it's thought that Karius would cost in the region of £4.7million, with the young German said to be extremely keen on joining Liverpool.
It's thought that Karius will at first provide strong competition to current Reds number one Simon Mignolet, although Klopp may make the 22-year-old his first choice immediately. He's been scouted extensively by Liverpool this season, who clearly believe they can get a deal done quickly.
Karius stands at around 6ft 2" tall and has made 91 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz, who Klopp managed between 2001-2008, to date. He's also played for the German Under-21 side.
Villa were interested in January
It was thought in January that the 'keeper was on his way to Aston Villa, with the relegated Premier League side said to be making a bid, but later reports suggested that Karius was never really interested in the Villans, preferring to wait for a 'better' opportunity to come along. The other English team Karius has links to is Manchester City, he was signed as a youngster there before leaving in 2011.
Karius' arrival would likely spell the end for Adam Bogdan, after just a year at the club for the Hungarian. Danny Ward, who overtook Bogdan in the pecking order after returning from a loan spell at Aberdeen, is reportedly going to spend next season on loan at Huddersfield Town.