Alisson to Liverpool transfer: What we know so far as Reds close in on world record deal

Liverpool look set to beat Chelsea to Alisson following Wednesday's world-record bid for the goalkeeper.

Chelsea are increasingly resigned to losing Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid for £35.5million and had earmarked Alisson as their first-choice replacement.

But the Blues will not allow Courtois to go until they bring in a new keeper, although they are likely to miss out on the Brazil No1 after Liverpool made a second bid of nearly £67m. It would be a world-record fee for a goalkeeper.

The Champions League finalists made their move after realising that Chelsea were on the verge of selling Courtois and were considering an offer for Alisson, 25. Chelsea must now decide whether to match their rivals.

Liverpool remain the favourites because they can offer Champions League football, although it is understood Chelsea were ready to offer Alisson higher wages to convince him to join them instead.

The Blues are looking at other options in case they miss out, including Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel and former Chelsea man Petr Cech.