Liverpool are set to conclude a deal for Finnish striker Joel Pohjanpalo, according to reports from The Metro.
The Premier League club began scouting the HJK Helsinki star nearly ninths ago, but are now close to tying up a deal to bring the frontman to the club.
The 18-year-old shot to fame last season netting 33 goals in 23 appearances for his club’s reserve team, but the Reds were reluctant to conclude a deal due to a lack of top-level experience.
However, the forward has responded to this by notching 19 goals in the Helsinki first-team.
As a result many clubs across Europe are monitoring the situation, but having taken the forward on a week-long trial, the Merseysiders are believed to be in pole position.
Pohjanpalo is also a lifelong fan of the club, which should make the conclusion of any deal a little easier for both parties.
It is rumoured that a fee of £1m would be enough to take him from his homeland to England and that would suit the club’s reluctance to spend big following the disastrous additions during the Kenny Dalglish reign.
Pohjanpalo is yet to make a senior debut at international level, but has been capped on five occasions for the Finland U-21 team, during which time he has scored once.