Liverpool are getting closer to signing Kyriakos Papadopolous with the Schalke 04 defender reportedly telling the Reds he is now fit enough to undergo a medical at Anfield.
Papdopolous has been on the Reds radar for some time, but Schalke’s high asking price and his long-term injury has kept any progress on a deal at bay.
On Monday it was reported that the Reds had renewed their interest in the central defender, preparing a fresh £13million bid.
Now the 21-year-old is ready to resume full training following his knee injury, which has kept him out of action since December 2012.
“In a week or two I can go back to training again,” the Greek international told German football journal kicker.
Meanwhile reports in England suggest Papadopolous is ready to push through a move to Merseyside.
Update: The Mirror now also running this story. And Daily Mail. A loan move is Liverpool’s preferred option given the player’s recent injury record.
The Express cite Greek newspaper Sport Day as saying:
Papadopoulos has reportedly advised Liverpool that he is now sufficiently fit to undergo a medical and hopes to travel to England for that purpose on August 10.
Earlier in the summer it was thought Liverpool would be priced out by Schalke, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season and qualified for the Champions League.
The Daily Star also carry the story on Tuesday evening:
And according to Greek newspaper Sport Day, a £13m deal for the fiery enforcer will be ratified this week, when the squad and manager return to Merseyside from Thailand.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Bjoern Schwemin also tweeted this evening to say there had been movement on the deal to bring 6ft Papadopolous to Anfield.
According to media reports, #LFC have agreed on a fee for Kyriakos Papadopoulos
— Bjoern Schwemin (@Sky_Bjoern) July 30, 2013
Should the signing of Papadopolous be pulled off, he will undoubtedly fit straight into Liverpool’s first team alongside Daniel Agger, with veteran defender Kolo Toure used as cover from the bench.
The news comes on the same day Martin Skrtel is linked with a loan move to Napoli.
Whilst Papadopolous comes with a lot of praise from the Bundesliga, his recent long term knee injury, for which he had to undergo surgery will be news of some concern to Liverpool fans.
UPDATE (Weds morning): The Liverpool Echo report that Rodgers “retains an interest in Papadopoulos, but the clubs remain some way apart in their respective valuations, despite reports to the contrary.”
Have Liverpool found the right defender in Papadopolous? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter @thisisanfield
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