Liverpool have deal in principle with Corinthians to sign Alexandre Pato

Liverpool have agreed an in-principle deal to sign Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato in January, according to the Brazilian club's President Robero de Andrade. Jurgen Klopp is short in the striking department with a season-ending injury to Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge's intermittent fitness problems, and has therefore identified the former AC Milan man to lead his line and propel the Reds to a top-four finish.

Manchester United had made a deadline approach for the striker this summer but the Reds are likely to have the last laugh after United signed Memphis Depay over interest from Anfield in the last transfer window. Klopp is starting to get results at Anfield, having won his last three games in all competitions, including a stunning 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The striker's career has been marred by injury but his recent form has led to talk that he has left his problems behind and is ready to make the shift to a European club in January to realise his potential. He is currently on loan at Sao Paolo where he has scored 23 goals and assisted eight in all competitions this season.

"There is an agreement in principle with Liverpool for the transfer in the coming weeks," the club president said, as quoted by TuttoMercatoWeb. "Pato had long expressed a desire to return to Europe. He was also suggested to some Italian clubs. In the last season talks were initiated with both Everton and Tottenham. But now I expect Liverpool to complete the deal, though it is missing a few details at this point."

Liverpool are currently ninth in the league table with 17 points, seven points clear of a top four spot and have the opportunity to close the gap with a win over high-flying Crystal Palace at Swansea. Klopp had insisted that the Reds need to instil a winning mentality in them following a narrow escape against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League. The former Borussia Dortmund man will be expecting his team to break all barriers and announce their resurgence in England.