Jürgen Klopp is reportedly closing in on his fifth signing as Liverpool manager, with a deal for FC Augsburg centre-back Ragnar Klavan said to be nearing conclusion.

It's one that's come out of nowhere, much like many of Klopp's deals as Reds boss so far, although it was widely known that he wanted to add at least one more centre-back in the current window.

Estonian captain to become a Red

Augsburg are willing to do a deal for the 30-year-old in the region of £4million pounds, representing a fair sum of money for the experienced defender, who has won more than 100 caps for Estonia, the nation that he captains.

Klavan completed 180 minutes against Liverpool last season, playing in each leg of the Europa League last 32 clash between Augsburg and Klopp's men, with James Milner's penalty at Anfield the only goal in the tie.

The Augsburg man lends a hand to Philippe Coutinho (photo: Getty)
The Augsburg man lends a hand to Philippe Coutinho (photo: Getty)

Centre-back cover needed

It quickly became apparent that Klopp was going to be in need of another centre-back, after two left Merseyside in the last month. Kolo Toure was the first, released at the end of his contract following three memorable years of service, before Martin Skrtel was sold to Fenerbache for £5.5million last week.

Adding to that, young Joe Gomez is set to miss the start of the season following suffering a setback in his recovery from a long term injury, whilst Mamadou Sakho too is a doubt for the opening weeks.

That left Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren as the two available senior defender's, with Tiago Ilori hoping to prove to Klopp that he should be a part of his plans for the season, by impressing in pre-season action.

Klavan will likely be Sakho's backup at left centre-back, with the Frenchman likely to partner Matip at the back when all are fully fit, with Lovren stepping in at right centre-back should Matip not start.

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