Liverpool agree deal in principle to sign Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to sign Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino, according to the BBC.

The Brazilian international is currently in Chile representing his country at the ongoing Copa America, and will reportedly put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

The 23-year-old forward, who has been impressive for the Bundesliga side in his four years in Germany, contributed with seven goals and 12 assists to help the team to a credible eighth place in the league last season.

The report claims that the Merseyside club's chief executive Ian Ayre has arrived in Chile to finalise the deal with the Brazilian, which will set the Reds back by around £29m, making him the second most expensive signing in the club's history after Andy Caroll, who was signed for £35m in 2011.

Firmino, who can play across the front three in any of the forward positions, was also linked with a move to Manchester United, according to the Tutto Mercato Web. The report claimed that the Red Devils were closing in on a move for the former Figueirense player, but have now been beaten to his signature by their arch rivals Liverpool.

The Brazilian's agent Roger Wittmann had confirmed that his client will move to England in the summer, and speaking at a press conference in Chile, Firmino has now admitted that he is ready for the next level, as he seeks to put some silverware in his trophy cabinet.

"I'm thinking about the Copa America and my future is in God's hands," Firmino is quoted as saying by Spanish publication Marca.

"I want to win games and titles, therefore, is the time to take the next step, but now I'm focused on the selection and in the Cup," the Brazilian added.

Firmino will become Liverpool's fifth signing of the summer, and he will join James Milner, Adam Bogdan, Danny Ings and Joe Gomez, who have already been confirmed by the Anfield club.