Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, ESPN understands.

Mignolet, named player of the season at the Stadium of Light, has emerged as a key target for Brendan Rodgers this summer.

A fee has yet to be agreed for the £10 million-rated Belgium international, but Liverpool are hopeful that a deal can be struck within the next week and it is understood Sunderland are open to selling a player who has two years remaining on his contract.

The Sunderland Echo has reported that Liverpool had an initial bid of £6.5m rejected, but Anfield sources are optimistic that a compromise can be found, which would leave the 25-year-old - who is currently on holiday - free to discuss personal terms.

Rodgers has already signed central defender Kolo Toure on a free transfer from Manchester City, while a deal has been agreed in principle to sign striker Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo for £7.7m.

Source: ESPN