Liverpool have made Monaco midfielder Fabinho their first summer signing.
Fabinho will join the Reds on July 1 after agreeing terms on Monday and is expected to fill the void left by Emre Can’s likely departure next month.
Can will be available on a free transfer in June, after refusing to commit beyond his current Anfield contract, with Juventus waiting in the wings.
The Serie A giants were prevusly among a host of European clubs tracking Fabinho, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain also credited with interest.
But Liverpool have moved quickly to seal the 24-year-old’s services in a deal worth £40 million.
“I am really excited about this move,” said Fabinho.
“This is something that I always wanted – this is a giant of a team. The infrastructures of the club look exceptional.
“A football club of this size coming after my services, I didn’t have to think that much about coming over.
“I will try to create my own history at this football club. Hopefully, on a personal level, I’m able to win titles with this club.
“I will try to grow and learn and improve myself, and to be part of the club’s history.”
During his five years at Monaco, Fabinho scored made over 200 appearances and was an integral part of their Ligue 1 title-winning side last season.
He becomes Liverpool’s second summer arrival of a potentially busy window with RB Leipzig enforcer Naby Keita also agreeing joining on July 1.
Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir remains on Klopp’s radar while the Champions League finalists are understood to be preparing to target a goalkeeper.
Roma’s Alisson and Atletico Madrid stopper Jan Oblak have both emerged as potential targets with Simon Mignolet expected to leave the club this summer.