Liverpool are expected to trigger the release clause in Dominik Szoboszlai's contract at RB Leipzig before it expires on Friday.
Szoboszlai, 22, has attracted the attention of both Liverpool and Newcastle after impressing for Leipzig, who he joined from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021.
The attacking midfielder, who can also operate out wide, scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 46 appearances for the German club last season.
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The Hungary international has a £60m release clause in his contract with Leipzig, which is due to expire at midnight on Friday. After that, the Bundesliga club are expected to demand a much higher fee for the player.
That has prompted Liverpool to accelerate their plans to sign the midfielder.
The Times claim the Merseyside club will trigger his release clause on Friday before it expires.
Liverpool are said to be 'favourites' to sign the midfielder, with talks already taking place between the Premier League club and the player's representatives.
The Athletic claim Newcastle have pulled out of the race for Szoboszlai, putting Liverpool in pole position to complete their second signing of the summer after Alexis Mac Allister's £35m move from Brighton.
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"After the deal initially looked difficult to do following a meeting earlier this week, the dynamic has shifted in the past 24 hours and Liverpool appear to have been given confidence that it is possible," read The Athletic's report.
Szoboszlai's praise for Klopp
Szoboszlai has previously praised Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and has said it would be a 'special experience' to work under the German.
Speaking to Hungarian YouTube channel Csisztu in 2020, the Hungary international said (via Liverpool.com): "I really like Klopp. The kind of human being he is.
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"The way he can inspire his players is unbelievable. Even when they have nothing, they can stand up and his players can achieve anything. For me he is the best manager [in the world]."
He later told Index (via Liverpool Echo): "It would certainly be a special experience to work under Klopp. As it would be under [Manchester City boss Pep] Guardiola or [Roma head coach] Jose Mourinho.
"I don't know what they would be able to get out of me. Relatively few footballers are given all this (opportunity), however. Only the best. I believe I can reach that level, and it would be great to work with any of them one day."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Football, RB Leipzig, Transfers, Premier League