Jon Flanagan is set to banish doubts over his long-term Liverpool future by signing a new three-year contract with his boyhood club.

The 23-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of this season and negotiations over an extension had proceeded slowly as he recovered from a serious knee injury. However, agreement has been reached on a deal that will keep Flanagan at Anfield and is close to being signed.

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Flanagan, a key part of Liverpool’s title challenge under Brendan Rodgers in 2013-14, was sidelined for 20 months by a knee problem that required several operations but has hugely impressed Jürgen Klopp on his return to the side since January.

The full-back has made five first-team appearances as he regains match fitness but Klopp has admitted he regrets leaving Flanagan out of his European squad list.

The captain, Jordan Henderson, last month called on the club to secure the defender on a new contract, saying: “He is a huge player for us, a huge player for the club and the fans as well. It is in everyone’s interests for that to be sorted out soon.”