Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Joe Allen after launching a £15million bid for the Swansea midfielder and triggering a release clause in his contract.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers recently confirmed he is interested in raiding his former club for the 22-year-old, and reports over the past few days have suggested a move to Merseyside is close to being agreed.
Last week it was reported that that personal terms had already been agreed, while bookmakers at the weekend suspended betting on the Wales international moving to Anfield before the end of the transfer window.
Liverpool had previously offered £12.5m for Allen, with the Swans possibly also being offered the chance to take a player on loan for the next twelve months.
But according to BBC Sport, Allen's buy-out clause has now been met by the Merseysiders.
Allen is said to have informed Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins on Wednesday that he wants to leave the Liberty Stadium, and will meet with manager Michael Laudrup on Thursday.
Liverpool are now confident of wrapping up a deal - possible by the end of the week.
Laudrup had on Monday told reporters: "Joe Allen showed up today at the training ground, he did not train but I had a small chat with him, but we did not touch the subject right now.
"I did not think it was the proper moment, but we will have to talk about that with the player to see what he wants so we can say something official, otherwise the rumours will go on until August 31st, which is not in anyone's interest.
"On Wednesday he will be back in training with the other two guys who have been at the Olympics and then we will have some talks so it does not go on until the last day of the transfer window."