Liverpool have nosed ahead of Serie A duo Inter Milan and Juventus in the hunt for Bayern Munich midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.
The Italian pair were hoping to persuade Bayern to let Shaqiri join on loan.
However, Bayern are said to prefer a sale as opposed to a loan deal.
Reports according to Sky Italy, the Reds have made a concrete offer for the Swiss star, despite manager Brendan Rodgers indicating there would be little transfer activity at Anfield during this transfer window.
Shaqiri, who joined Bayern for £8m from Basel in 2012, has fallen out of favour with boss Pep Guardiola, and a move may be on the cards.
Steve Osborne @Pack3rNa7ion