Liverpool have agreed a £20 million deal with Southampton for defender Dejan Lovren and hope to complete his signing this weekend.

The Croatian defender is now heading to Merseyside for a medical on Saturday, and will also discuss personal terms with the club's managing director Ian Ayre prior to signing.

There has been some discussion about flying the 25-year-old to the United States to join Liverpool's summer tour but logistically that is proving difficult.

Brendan Rodgers's side leave Boston on Saturday morning and will spend little more than 48 hours in their next destinations of Chicago, New York and Charlotte.

Loic Remy's medical in Boston took longer than anticipated as he needed escorting to different venues for tests which are normally straightforward at English clubs.

The capture of Lovren will thrill Rodgers, who made him his main defensive target this summer as he believes he possesses the leadership qualities that have been lacking in his back four since Jamie Carragher's retirement.

Lovren made it known to Southampton he was desperate to move to Anfield and it has been a negotiating process ever since.

Although Liverpool are making no comment, it is understood an initial fee of £16 million is to be paid to the St Mary's club, with the rest increasing via various add-ons.

Both Remy and Belgium striker Divock Origi have completed their medicals during the club's visit to Boston, with the French striker now enjoying the extra time off he is due having played in the World Cup.

Remy has gone to New York with his family and will rejoin his teammates later in the tour.

Lovren is the seventh Liverpool signing this summer taking the transfer spending to just below £100 million.

Rodgers will now turn his attention to securing full-backs before the start of the season.

Source: Liverpool Echo