Liverpool Preparing to Approach Hoffenheim to Sign Roberto Firmino

Liverpool are preparing to open talks with Hoffenheim in order to strike a deal for Roberto Firmino, according to the Metro.

The report claims that the Reds' managing director Ian Ayre is poised to fly out to Germany to open negotiations for their attacking midfielder in the coming days.

Liverpool had been keeping a close watch on Firmino in the last few months as manager Brendan Rodgers was thought to be keen on signing him in the summer transfer window.

However, the 22-year-old, who was also reportedly a target for Chelsea, crushed all speculations of his purported exit from the Rhein-Neckar Arena by signing a contract extension until 2017.

Despite this, Liverpool seem to be unwilling to withdraw their interest in acquiring Firmino and Rodgers desperately wants to make the push to bring his target to Anfield.

The former Swansea City boss had earlier revealed his desire to add players capable of playing in multiple positions into his squad during the upcoming transfer window.

The Merseyside club have agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Emre Can, a defensive midfielder who can play as a full-back.

Liverpool's attacking prowess currently boasts names like Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho; and Rodgers wants to further enhance it with Firmino's acquisition.

The Brazilian, who can play on either wings or as a striker, was Hoffenheim's star performer during the 2013/14 season.

He was their top scorer with 22 goals and contributed 16 assists in all competitions, as his team finished ninth in the Bundesliga, while reaching the quarterfinals of the German Cup.

The Metro's report also claims that Liverpool are valuing the versatile midfielder at £15m but might consider shelling out up to £20m if they want to sign Firmino this summer.

Meanwhile, the Reds' goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes the number of players from their team playing for England will aid Liverpool in the upcoming campaign.

"It can only be a good thing for Liverpool to have so many players included in the squad, and Jon Flanagan also picked up his first cap for England in a preparation game," Mignolet told Liverpool's official website.

"Those experiences for the players - and the young players especially - are very important, not only for England but also for Liverpool.

"If they can get through the first stage then I'm sure they can build momentum and gain confidence. Then they've got the individual players of quality. They can go very far in this World Cup," the Belgian international concluded.