Liverpool chief Ian Ayre is pushing to close a deal for Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

The Mail on Sunday says Liverpool managing director Ayre has delayed a trip to Brazil to try to push through a deal for Mignolet this week.

Liverpool have offered £8million for the 24-year-old Belgium international.

Sunderland are holding out for £10m but the expectation is that he will go to Anfield, increasing the likelihood that Barcelona target Pepe Reina will leave after seven seasons.