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Liverpool are closing in on the £25million capture of Burnley defender Michael Keane.

Anfield boss Jurgen Koop has made England international Keane his top defensive signing this summer and is confident of closing the deal.

Personal terms have been agreed in principle between Liverpool and Keane, with Burnley aware they are fighting a losing battle to keep their star defender this summer.

Keane is said to be waiting to see whether Liverpool, currently third, can secure Champions League qualification for next season before committing himself to the deal on offer, understood to be four years.

(Image: PA Wire) (Image: REUTERS)

Manchester United have been linked with a bid to bring Keane back to Old Trafford, but Jose Mourinho has not yet indicated a willingness to move for the 24-year-old.

Everton and Tottenham have also expressed interest in signing Keane, but Liverpool have moved ahead of their rivals and are in pole position to land the in-demand centre-back.

Keane, who made his England debut in March, was short-listed for the PFA Young Player of the Year award this season and has emerged as one of the most coveted young central defenders in the Premier League.

After coming through the youth ranks at United, Keane joined Burnley in January 2015, signing a three-and-half year deal, having been offloaded by former Reds boss Louis van Gaal.