Liverpool are ready to swoop for Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland.
The Mirror says the young shot-stopper, 19, is set to be sold by cash-strapped Championship City next month.
Liverpool and Merseyside rivals Everton are both very keen.
But the Reds lead the chase and Butland knows he may have to be sacrificed by Brum.
Birmingham hope to stave off interest in their prized asset by agreeing a takeover to save the club.
But talks with two Hong Kong consortiums have faltered and ex-QPR chairman Gianni Paladini cannot agree a deal.