Liverpool close to agreeing deal for Arne Slot's first signing of the summer

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on their first signing under the new management of Arne Slot.

The Dutchman officially assumed his duties on June 1, leaving Feyenoord to take up the vacant post at Anfield following Jurgen Klopp's departure.

While Slot has not been unveiled as the Reds boss as of yet, he is already getting to work in identifying transfer targets to fit his tactical system.

The Athletic's James Pearce has confirmed that Slot's unveiling will take place closer to the beginning of pre-season in July - and the new Reds boss will hope to have some new signings to discuss during his first press conference.

According to French outlet Sports Zone, Liverpool and newly-returned chief executive of football Michael Edwards are close to reaching an 'agreement in principle' to complete their first summer deal.

The Reds are said to have made an approach to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who played a key role in knocking Jurgen Klopp's side out of the Europa League at the quarter-final stage in the most recent season.

The 24-year-old Brazil international is reportedly 'leaning towards accepting the approach' from Liverpool, who have tracked him for much of the past year.

They have faced competition from reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain - hence the reports in the French media - but Luis Enrique's side are said to have not made a concrete offer as of yet.

Ederson made 36 Serie A appearances for Gian Piero Gasperini's side last season, scoring six goals from midfield.

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He also played the full 90 minutes in the Europa League final as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, helping them to win their first ever European trophy in the process.

According to journalist Jorge Nicola, Liverpool have launched a €45 million bid for the Brazilian, who is a defensive midfielder by trade.

Should the deal be completed, Slot would be dealing with one of the few problem positions in his squad, with only Wataru Endo a natural defensive midfielder.

Alexis Mac Allister has had success in a deeper role this season, but it appears that the Dutchman would prefer the Argentina international to operate further forward in his system.