This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Liverpool are said to be closing in on a deal for talented Lazio defender Modibo Diakite after holding a second round of talks with the player.
Imposing centre-back Diakite is out of contract at the end of the season, and is now free to talk to other clubs about a pre-contract move in the summer.
Aston Villa have also been linked with an approach, but Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has moved first, and has spent the last month trying to thrash out a deal.
An initial round of talks that took place before Christmas proved fruitless, with wages and contract length rumoured to be the sticking points. However, the Italian press claim Liverpool are now more hopeful of reaching an agreement after a second meeting this week.
It's thought that Rodgers is willing to hand over a chunky signing-on fee if the Frenchman compromises on his contract demands.
Source: Metro
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Tagged: Modibo Diakite