Liverpool are closing in on a £4.7million deal for Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius.

No deal has yet been agreed but the talks are ongoing and the Reds are confident of securing the services of the Germany U21 international.

Boss Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of the 22-year-old, who has already clocked up some 91 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.

Liverpool have had Karius watched extensively this season and Klopp believes the 6ft 3ins shot-stopper is the ideal recruit to provide greater competition for Anfield No 1 Simon Mignolet.

Danny Ward, who was recalled from a loan spell at Aberdeen in January, has shone on his two senior outings and does have a future with Liverpool.

Klopp has close ties with Mainz having managed the club from 2001 to 2008 before taking over at Borussia Dortmund.

Karius is no stranger to English football having spent two years in Manchester City’s youth ranks before leaving at the age of 17 in 2011.

He returned to his homeland, progressed through the ranks at Mainz and has proved himself to be one of the most consistent keepers in the Bundesliga.

This season he helped them secure Europa League qualification via a sixth-placed finish.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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