Who do Liverpool need to sign to retain the title? Keep up with all the Reds news with our free daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool are keen to untie a bundle of red tape and seal the £9.5million signing of Lucas Alario from River Plate.

The young Argentinean striker is being chased by the Reds, as well as Borussia Dortmund, who are trying to unpick his complicated ownership situation in order to secure his signing before the end of the season.

River Plate own just 30% of the 23-year-old’s economic rights currently, but already have a deal in place to buy another 30% of the player for £950,000 in May. The rest of the player is controlled by an investment group linked to Alario's former club, Colón de Santa Fe, who are holding out for nearly £4million for the remaining percentage in the player.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

River believe that they aren't far off a deal for the remaining 40%, but news of Liverpool's interest is pushing up the price as executives of the Argentine club try to close out an agreement.

(Image: Mike Hewitt - FIFA)

With the Premier League rules banning third-party ownership of players, Liverpool will need to buy out both River and the investment group if they’re to complete the signing of the highly-rated young centre-forward.

Ideally River will own 100% of the player before selling him directly to the Reds.

A total deal of just shy of £10million is expected to be enough to convince all parties to sell Alario, ensuring the Argentinean giants make a profit and he gets his dream move to Anfield.

Interest from Jorge Mendes’ agency, Gestifute, in buying a percentage of the player has forced Liverpool into action and the Reds want to seal a summer deal as soon as possible.