Dejan Lovren is set to become the most expensive defender in Liverpool FC's history after they agreed a £20million deal with Southampton.

Reds chief executive Ian Ayre has flown back to the UK from the club's tour of America in order to complete the transfer.

The Croatia international is scheduled to undergo his medical and sort out personal terms in Liverpool on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers has been pursuing a deal for Lovren all summer with the 25-year-old his number one defensive target.

If everything goes to plan Lovren will link up with the Reds squad in either New York or Charlotte next week.

Liverpool had considered flying Lovren out to the States for his medical but there were logistical issues due to the fact that they are visiting so many different cities in such a short period of time.

The Reds leave Boston for Chicago on Saturday morning to prepare for Sunday's opening International Champions Cup game against Olympiacos.

On Monday they then move on to New York ahead of Wednesday's match against Manchester City before flying to Charlotte on Thursday.

Medicals for fellow new boys Loic Remy and Divock Origi took longer than expected in Boston as the club's medical staff battled to get the various tests completed at several different venues across the city.

The £8.5million signing of Remy from Queens Park Rangers and the £10million deal for Origi from Lille should both be confirmed by the club in the next 48 hours.

An announcement on Remy has been delayed due to a paperwork issue but it should swiftly be resolved.

Remy, who arrived in Boston with his wife, has gone to New York after being granted a few days off by the club.

The France international wasn't scheduled to start pre-season until next week after his World Cup commitments.

Belgium international Origi won't remain on the tour as he's returning to France to spend the coming season on loan at Lille.

The signings of Lovren, Remy and Origi will take Liverpool's summer spending to around £95million.

Liverpool declined to comment on Lovren but the ECHO understands they will pay Southampton around £16million up front with a further £4million to follow.

The previously highest transfer fee the Reds paid for a defender was the £17.5million deal which brought Glen Johnson to Anfield from Portsmouth in 2009.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman was reluctant to sell but Lovren helped to force through his dream move by putting in a transfer request.

Lovren was just 13 months into the four-year deal he signed when he joined Southampton for £8.5million from Lyon last June.

He enjoyed an outstanding campaign and scored the winner when he faced the Reds at Anfield.

The commanding centre-back will be reunited with former Saints clubmates Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana at Liverpool.

Source: Liverpool Echo