Reds closing in on Papadopoulos

German football expert Rafael Honigstein has told TalkSport that he expects Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos to sign for Liverpool.

The Greek international was linked with a £20 million move to Zenit St Petersburg in January, though it is thought that the Reds could get their man for a lower fee, largely down to the 21 year old having missed the second half of the season through injury.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Stewart Downing could be used as a makeweight in the Reds attempts to sign goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Stoke City.

The winger looks to be on his way out of Anfield, with it being reported yesterday that the club are unwilling to let him go out on loan.

Elsewhere, the club have been linked with a move for Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas.

The 25 year old, who has also been linked with a move to Swansea City, has scored eleven goals in La Liga this season, though his efforts look to have been in vain as his club will be relegated if they lose to Real Vallodolid this weekend.

Should Abel Resino’s side go down, the Spaniard’s release clause of £8.5 million will reduce by about a third.