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Liverpool full-back Jon Flanagan is close to signing a new three-year contract.

The Academy graduate had faced an uncertain future with his current deal set to expire this summer.

However, Liverpool have belatedly made their move to secure his services and negotiations with his representatives are now at an advanced stage.

Flanagan is expected to put pen to paper on Friday.

Jurgen Klopp sees the tough-tackling defender as key to Liverpool's future and the new contract will keep Flanagan at his boyhood club until 2019.

The 23-year-old returned to action in January after a nightmare 18-month battle with a knee injury.

Flanagan underwent two operations but since making his comeback he has impressed Klopp with his talent as well as his attitude and application.

A firm fans' favourite, Flanagan received a standing ovation when he came off the bench against Exeter City in the FA Cup.

Flanagan, who grew up just a few hundred yards from Anfield and joined the Academy at the age of 11, recently told the ECHO he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who dedicated their careers to the Reds.

“I feel very privileged to be here,” he said.

“It was always my dream to play for Liverpool. I pinch myself every day when I think about what I’ve done so far but hopefully there’s a lot more to come.

“Carra and Stevie were both massive for me. From the first day I went to Melwood, they were giving me great advice and guiding me.

“Being local lads themselves, they knew the situation I was in. I learned so much from them.

“I’m a local lad and this is my club. I want to stay here and help Liverpool win trophies. I want to be a one-club man.”