Express: Liverpool ready to strike deal

Liverpool are closing in on a £14m deal for PSG attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

The Argentina international looks certain to leave the Parc des Princes after being left out of Laurent Blanc's winter training squad.

Lavezzi's most recent appearance for PSG was a five-minute cameo in the 1-0 win over Saint-Etienne, and the former Napoli man is said to be furious over his current treatment.

Liverpool tried to land Lavezzi last summer as Brendan Rodgers splashed the cash on a number of players, and the Reds are now set to finally get their man.

Reports claim that club scouts were present at PSG's last match, and that a £14m deal looks set to be completed before next week's deadline.

Rodgers has already been encouraged to sign Lavezzi by club legend Phil Thompson, who explained: "Liverpool do need a striker with injuries to Daniel Sturridge and the difficulties that Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have had.

"Liverpool need someone who is a bit more established and who has played at a higher level like Gonzalo Higuain or Ezequiel Lavezzi."

Source: Daily Express