Liverpool Poised to Sign Dejan Lovren After Agreeing £20m Fee with Southampton

Liverpool are set to seal a deal for Dejan Lovren after agreeing a £20m fee with Southampton, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The reports states that the 25-year-old will be completing his move this weekend and is expected to arrive in Merseyside for his medical and agree terms.

Chief executive, Ian Ayre has returned to England from the US, where the Reds are currently participating in the International Champions Cup as part of their pre-season tour.

Brendan Rodgers has been keen on signing a robust centre-back to reduce the defensive frailties like last season, which cost his side the Premier League title. The 41-year-old had earmarked the Croatian international as his top target.

The Saints's newly-appointed manager Ronald Koeman was reluctant to let Lovren leave in the ongoing transfer window. But the former Lyon star had expressed his desire to move to Anfield by saying "My head is already at Liverpool."

Once the move is complete, the centre-back will be reunited with his former colleagues at St Mary's, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana. The Merseyside club have spent nearly £60m in signing the English duo along with Emre Can and Lazar Markovic.

Lovren's arrival could also trigger some exits as vice-captain Daniel Agger has hinted that he could consider leaving the Reds this summer.

Liverpool's expenditure will be reaching the £100m mark as they are believed to have completed the medicals and other formalities to acquire Loic Remy and Divock Origi's services from Queens Park Rangers and Lille respectively.

The Echo's report suggests that the club are expected to confirm the signing of both strikers in 48 hours. Remy's signing has cost Liverpool £8.5m while the 19-year-old Belgian international is believed to have cost £10m.

The 27-year-old has been allowed to go on a holiday after being included in Les Bleus's squad by Didier Deschamps for the World Cup while Origi will return to France and spend the upcoming campaign on loan with the Ligue 1 outfit.

The report also claims that logistical reasons prevented Lovren from joining his new teammates in North America. But he could fly out to join Rodgers's side next week at New York or Charlotte if the desired plan takes place smoothly.