Alisson due for medical as Liverpool agree £67m record fee

Liverpool’s bold and expensive effort to bridge the gap to Manchester City has been stepped up with the world-record £67million deal for Roma goalkeeper Alisson.

The 25-year-old is scheduled to undergo a Melwood medical today after agreeing personal terms on a six-year contract.

With agreement on all sides, only the formalities stand between Liverpool unveiling Loris Karius’s replacement.

Alisson is on holiday after his World Cup efforts for Brazil, but Liverpool feel cautiously optimistic they have their main summer target now the goalkeeper has spoken to Jurgen Klopp, the manager, and indicated his willingness to join. Chelsea have shown interest, but as of yesterday only Liverpool’s bid had been accepted.

Alisson’s likely arrival will leave Karius considering his future. The German has been demoted upon his return to Melwood, his status diminished after his poor Champions League final performance.

Klopp will not comment on the Alisson deal until it is complete – there remains caution about rival clubs matching Liverpool’s bid – but he is relishing a different approach to a transfer window this summer without the fear of losing any of his big players.

“Maybe it is the first year we don’t sell a key player,” he said. “There was always a lot of change, but in both directions. Now it is