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Boss Brendan Rodgers is a long-term admirer of the Schalke 04 centre-back, and is seen as an part of his plans to replace Reds stalwart Jamie Carragher.

Papadopoulos made just 10 appearances for the German side last season, down from 29 in 2011.

His long absence was mainly caused by the need for a knee operation in November to deal with a persistent injury.

And according to Greek newspaper Sport Day, a £13m deal for the fiery enforcer will be ratified this week, when the squad and manager return to Merseyside from Thailand.

Chelsea and Manchester City were also thought to be keeping tabs on the starlet, but interest has cooled since the arrival of Jose Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini.

Schalke 04 signed Papadopoulos from boyhood team Olympiacos in 2010 on a four-year-deal, and has since made 57 appearances in the Bundesliga.