In the end, Liverpool simply couldn't wait any longer.

Having remained steadfast in their stance regarding Roma goalkeeper Alisson, the Reds have been left with no choice but to make their move for the Brazil international.

That Alisson has for some time been a person of interest to Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team was no secret.

However, Roma's eye-watering asking price of more than 70 million euros had forced Liverpool to take a significant step backwards. While they were keeping a watching brief, the Reds would not be making a concrete offer.

Instead, Loris Karius was given the chance to demonstrate he had recovered from his Champions League final nightmare against Real Madrid in Kiev in May.

“We don't think about that anymore and we start completely new,” said Reds boss Klopp as the gloves were once again thrown to the German.

Karius then proceeded to drop them.

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While safely protecting a clean sheet in the opening pre-season friendly at Chester City, footage later emerged showing the keeper allowing a straightforward shot to slip through his grasp during the warm-up.

(Image: Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The error was, in a pure football context, utterly meaningless. These things can happen.

What was concerning, though, was the debate that followed. So there was no surprise when in Liverpool's next game, Karius prompted an outcry when his blunder gifted Tranmere Rovers a goal.

Clearly, the goalkeeper issue isn't going away any time soon, the rehabilitation of Karius not an overnight fix.

With Simon Mignolet expected to pursue a move away from Anfield in the coming weeks, the Reds are at present set to go into the new season with a goalkeeper option of either a confidence-shot Karius or Danny Ward, who made just one appearance last term.

The situation has reached a critical point.

And Liverpool have had to act. For many, it would have been a dereliction of duty had they not.

That the Reds have lodged a bid – an offer of 70m euros (£62.2m) including 10m euros of add-ons – suggests they have received sufficient encouragement from Alisson and his representatives the player would entertain a switch to Anfield.

Indeed, his agent Ze Maria Neis prompted excitement among Reds supporters earlier in the day when he liked a photoshopped image of Alisson wearing a Liverpool shirt on Instagram.

Roma are holding out for 75 million euros but are hopeful an agreement can be reached, with the clubs having a good relationship fostered by the sale of Mohamed Salah last summer.

Alisson's compatriot Roberto Firmino has also done his bit to sell Anfield to the 25-year-old.

Speaking ahead of the World Cup, the forward revealed: “From time to time I will give him a pinch to come to Liverpool and help us, but it’s with his agents.

“It wouldn’t be bad if he came to Liverpool.

Five Things About Alisson

“Yes, he asked me about Liverpool and I hope he can come here, but I know he has other proposals.”

Alisson is in demand. And the one fear for Liverpool is being gazumped by Chelsea, with Roma having no qualms who they sell to should their asking price be met.

Real Madrid, who were at one point considered front-runners for the Brazilian, have instead been seduced by Thibaut Courtois's performances for Belgium in the World Cup, and the fact that, in the last year of his contract, he would be significantly cheaper.

Reports on Tuesday evening suggested the Spaniards are preparing to offer 35m euros. That deal, however, will only be sanctioned once Chelsea find a replacement.

And Liverpool's mammoth bid will now test just how serious the Londoners are over Alisson.

If they match or even surpass the Reds' offer, the Brazilian will be left with a decision to make.

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Could Liverpool now be about to follow the signing of the world's most expensive defender by capturing the world's most expensive goalkeeper?

The waiting goes on. But not, it seems, for much longer.