Liverpool want to sign Roma goalkeeper Alisson ahead of the summer window

Liverpool are trying to sign Roma goalkeeper Alisson ahead of the summer, Sky Sports News understands.

Sky sources in Italy have said discussions are underway and at a very early stage via an Italian intermediary.

They also say Liverpool made an enquiry into signing the 26-year-old during the January transfer window and the club hope to persuade Roma to sell the player in the coming weeks.

However, it is understood Roma believe Alisson is one of the best in his position in Europe and value him at £62m (€70m) - potentially a world-record price for a goalkeeper.

Alisson joined Roma from Brazilian side Internacional in 2016

It was also reported in Italy last week that they have been trying to get him to sign a new contract, with the anticipation of more interest from some of Europe's top clubs in the summer.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are just two top teams expected to be in the market for goalkeepers, so Liverpool are attempting to beat potential competition.

Alisson - a Brazil international with 22 caps - is understood to be the Merseyside club's top target among five goalkeepers they are interested in from across Europe.

Loris Karius has established himself as Liverpool's number one in recent weeks

He is highly rated and was recently described by his goalkeeper coach as the "Messi of goalkeepers".

"This guy is a phenomenon. He is the number one of number ones," Roberto Negrisolo was quoted by Il Romanista.

Current Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet has lost his place to Loris Karius in recent weeks, with the latter starting in the 5-0 Champions League win at Porto on Tuesday.

Sky Sports football expert Jamie Carragher urged the Reds to sign a world-class goalkeeper after Mignolet made several errors in December.