Liverpool hope to finalise a deal for Charlton teenager Joe Gomez later this week with the 18-year-old scheduled to undergo a medical on Friday.
Press Association Sport understands the Reds have triggered a £3.5million release clause in the England Under-19 international's contract which has paved the way for the move to be completed and he will meet with club officials on Merseyside on Friday.
Liverpool are currently in discussions with the SkyBet Championship club over minor details regarding a sell-on fee should the defender subsequently leave Anfield in the future but those talks will not affect the deal going through.
Confirmation of their fourth summer signing - after Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Burnley striker Danny Ings and Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan - is expected probably early next week.
Gomez's arrival is likely to signal the departure of centre-back Sebastian Coates to Sunderland on a £4million permanent deal after the 24-year-old spent a successful season on loan at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool also remain interested in signing Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne but having had an opening bid of £10million rejected they are prepared to be patient in their pursuit.
The apparent imminent arrival to St Mary's of Sporting Lisbon right-back Cedric Soares would appear to ease the way for the 24-year-old England international to move to Anfield but further negotiation is required with the Saints reportedly holding out for £15million.
Source: PA
