Liverpool look set to boost their chances of defending their Premier League title by signing Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Standard Sport understands Liverpool finally opened talks with Bayern Munich after firming up their interest this week, and a deal worth an initial £20million - possibly rising to £25m - has been agreed.
Thiago is available for a cut-price fee with his Bayern contract running out next summer, and has made no secret of his desire for a new challenge.
The German club's former president Uli Hoeness claimed last week that Thiago had an agreement with Liverpool and possibly Manchester United in place.
But it is the Reds who are set to secure his signature with Klopp having made no secret of his admiration for the Spaniard, who has won 16 trophies during his time in Munich.
With a deal set to be done, one of the last questions to answer is which shirt number Thiago will wear at Anfield.
The current core squad numbers which remain open for the 2020/21 season are: 2, 6, 19, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, and then numbers 33-58.
Number six seems a likely choice given that is Thiago's current number at Bayern, and would suit role as a defensive playmaker.
And with Thiago arriving, the number five could also become available should Liverpool look to make room for the Spaniard by selling Gini Wijnaldum to Barcelona.
