Liverpool's new signing Roberto Firmino is pretty handy with his feet - as he proves in this video of him on a basketball court.
The Brazil international, who joins the Reds from Hoffenheim in a £21.3m deal, took to an unfamiliar surface to show off his repertoire.
Did he really just find the hoop with that over-the-shoulder lob?
And without even looking?
Hit the video link to watch - courtesy of Adidas - his outrageous bit of off-duty showboating...
Liverpool's new signing Roberto Firmino is pretty handy with his feet - as he proves in this video of him on a basketball court.
The Brazil international, who joins the Reds from Hoffenheim in a £21.3m deal, took to an unfamiliar surface to show off his repertoire.
Did he really just find the hoop with that over-the-shoulder lob?
And without even looking?
Hit the video link to watch - courtesy of Adidas - his outrageous bit of off-duty showboating...
Roma have confirmed their interest in Sevilla forward Carlos Bacca, who is also reported to be wanted by Liverpool and Manchester United.
Bacca, who is under contract with Sevilla until June 2018, has attracted the attention of top European clubs after his heroics inspired Sevilla to their second successive Europa League crown this season.
Roma have reportedly made a 25million euro (£17.8million) bid to acquire the Colombia international.
"We want Bacca," Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini said to Spanish newspaper ABC. "But I cannot say anything more."
Roma, who finished runners-up to Juventus in Serie A this season, are looking to strengthen their attacking line, and Bacca is considered their top target this summer.
Bacca was prolific in the Primera Division this season, scoring 20 goals in 37 appearances to help Sevilla finish fifth.
The 28-year-old, who joined Sevilla two years ago from Club Brugge, also scored seven goals in the Europa League, including two in last month's final that saw Sevilla beat Dnipro 3-2 to win the competition for a record fourth time.
Bacca is currently on international duty at the Copa America in Chile, with any decision on his future unlikely to be sorted until his participation in the tournament has ended.
He has been also linked with the likes of Liverpool and AC Milan, while Manchester United have also made an enquiry, according to the Daily Telegraph, although Harry Kane and Karim Benzema are said to be Louis van Gaal's priority targets.
Roma have confirmed their interest in Sevilla forward Carlos Bacca, who is also reported to be wanted by Liverpool and Manchester United.
Bacca, who is under contract with Sevilla until June 2018, has attracted the attention of top European clubs after his heroics inspired Sevilla to their second successive Europa League crown this season.
Roma have reportedly made a 25million euro (£17.8million) bid to acquire the Colombia international.
"We want Bacca," Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini said to Spanish newspaper ABC. "But I cannot say anything more."
Roma, who finished runners-up to Juventus in Serie A this season, are looking to strengthen their attacking line, and Bacca is considered their top target this summer.
Bacca was prolific in the Primera Division this season, scoring 20 goals in 37 appearances to help Sevilla finish fifth.
The 28-year-old, who joined Sevilla two years ago from Club Brugge, also scored seven goals in the Europa League, including two in last month's final that saw Sevilla beat Dnipro 3-2 to win the competition for a record fourth time.
Bacca is currently on international duty at the Copa America in Chile, with any decision on his future unlikely to be sorted until his participation in the tournament has ended.
He has been also linked with the likes of Liverpool and AC Milan, while Manchester United have also made an enquiry, according to the Daily Telegraph, although Harry Kane and Karim Benzema are said to be Louis van Gaal's priority targets.
Chelsea remain interested in want-away Liverpool star Raheem Sterling, but are not willing to bid above £40m, according to reports.
Manchester City have tabled two bids for Sterling, the second believed to be around £40million for the Liverpool and England forward and could raise their bid to a final, take-it-or-leave-it £45million.
It is understood Chelsea have also been interested in signing the 20-year-old but are not prepared to meet Liverpool's £50million valuation for the player.
Sterling joined Liverpool from QPR in 2010 and is under contract until 2017, but has turned down the offer of a new deal worth £100,000-a-week.
He has maintained throughout negotiations that his issue is not about money, stating in April, in an interview not sanctioned by the club, that he did not want to be viewed as a "money-grabbing 20-year-old".
Brendan Rodgers has insisted Sterling is not for sale, despite Manchester City's pursuit of top English talent, and plans to invest heavily.
City's chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said last week: "You will see us in the market bringing in high-quality individuals that fit within what we are aspiring to.
"We want a squad which is able and has the capability and quality to win the Premier League, to compete and win the Champions League and be able to go all the way in two cup competitions in England."
Chelsea, on the other hand, have discussed the possibility of letting one of their players go. Mohamed Salah is set to meet with Fiorentina to discuss extending his loan.
If he wants to stay at the Italian club they will be forced to pay £1m for his services for the year. If he decides to stay at Chelsea they will have to keep or sell him, they would not be able to loan him out to another club due to the terms of his contract.
Chelsea remain interested in want-away Liverpool star Raheem Sterling, but are not willing to bid above £40m, according to reports.
Manchester City have tabled two bids for Sterling, the second believed to be around £40million for the Liverpool and England forward and could raise their bid to a final, take-it-or-leave-it £45million.
It is understood Chelsea have also been interested in signing the 20-year-old but are not prepared to meet Liverpool's £50million valuation for the player.
Sterling joined Liverpool from QPR in 2010 and is under contract until 2017, but has turned down the offer of a new deal worth £100,000-a-week.
He has maintained throughout negotiations that his issue is not about money, stating in April, in an interview not sanctioned by the club, that he did not want to be viewed as a "money-grabbing 20-year-old".
Brendan Rodgers has insisted Sterling is not for sale, despite Manchester City's pursuit of top English talent, and plans to invest heavily.
City's chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said last week: "You will see us in the market bringing in high-quality individuals that fit within what we are aspiring to.
"We want a squad which is able and has the capability and quality to win the Premier League, to compete and win the Champions League and be able to go all the way in two cup competitions in England."
Chelsea, on the other hand, have discussed the possibility of letting one of their players go. Mohamed Salah is set to meet with Fiorentina to discuss extending his loan.
If he wants to stay at the Italian club they will be forced to pay £1m for his services for the year. If he decides to stay at Chelsea they will have to keep or sell him, they would not be able to loan him out to another club due to the terms of his contract.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan wants a move to the Premier League this summer and has three offers from top English clubs, according to his agent.
The Turkey international has two years left on his contract with the Spanish outfit but agent Ahmet Bulut says he wasnts to leave Vicente Calderon stadium this summer.
"His intention is to leave Spain this summer," Bulut told Spanish sports newspaper AS. "His will is to leave and to play in the Premier League, that is the path he would like to take to continue his career.
"We are currently in talks with three teams but I cannot reveal the names of the clubs. However, I can tell you that they are the best in England and in European football."
Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are believed to be the interested clubs.
Turan, who joined Atletico in the summer of 2011 from Galatasaray for 12 million euros (£8.5 million), helped the Rojiblancos win the Copa del Rey three years ago and La Liga title during the 2013/14 campaign.
The 28-year-old scored two goals and set up four more in 32 Primera Division appearances to help Atletico finish third in La Liga this season.
Bulut says Turan is also a target for AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
"It's true that Milan and PSG are two of the six teams that are interested in him," Bulut said. "But the Italian team is not among our options because they will not play in the Champions League next season.
"PSG is a possibility although Arda always has the desire to play in England."
Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan wants a move to the Premier League this summer and has three offers from top English clubs, according to his agent.
The Turkey international has two years left on his contract with the Spanish outfit but agent Ahmet Bulut says he wasnts to leave Vicente Calderon stadium this summer.
"His intention is to leave Spain this summer," Bulut told Spanish sports newspaper AS. "His will is to leave and to play in the Premier League, that is the path he would like to take to continue his career.
"We are currently in talks with three teams but I cannot reveal the names of the clubs. However, I can tell you that they are the best in England and in European football."
Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are believed to be the interested clubs.
Turan, who joined Atletico in the summer of 2011 from Galatasaray for 12 million euros (£8.5 million), helped the Rojiblancos win the Copa del Rey three years ago and La Liga title during the 2013/14 campaign.
The 28-year-old scored two goals and set up four more in 32 Primera Division appearances to help Atletico finish third in La Liga this season.
Bulut says Turan is also a target for AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
"It's true that Milan and PSG are two of the six teams that are interested in him," Bulut said. "But the Italian team is not among our options because they will not play in the Champions League next season.
"PSG is a possibility although Arda always has the desire to play in England."
Steven Gerrard admits he knew it was time to leave Liverpool when he was dropped by Brendan Rodgers for the Champions League trip to Real Madrid.
Gerrard will join LA Galaxy this summer after choosing to leave Anfield following 16 years in the first team with his boyhood club.
The former captain's final season saw Liverpool struggle to replicate the previous campaign's form, which took Gerrard desperately close to lifting the Premier League title for the first time. The Reds competed again in the Champions League and it was on one of those European trips early in the season that Gerrard realised it may be time to look for a new challenge.
With Rodgers' side enduring a disappointing start in the Premier League, the manager opted to rest a number of players for the November visit to the Bernabeu to face Real, choosing instead to prioritise the visit of Chelsea the following the Saturday lunchtime.
Gerrard was joined by Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling on the bench, where the captain watched on "devastated" as Liverpool lost 1-0. They were also beaten by Chelsea a few days later.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand for BT Sport, Gerrard said: "This was round about the time when I was doing a lot of thinking about what's next for me because I'd had a couple of initial chats with Brendan saying to me 'I'm going to start managing your games and I have to look after you and I want you to be fresh and I don't want you to be playing three games in a week because you may be tired' and stuff like that.
"But this situation was a bit unique because it was Real Madrid and I wanted to play, and when I was told I wasn't playing, for the sake of the team and the squad and my relationship with Brendan, I took it and I accepted it.
"But I sat on that bench devastated because I wanted to play so, it is one of those situations.
"It sort of pushed me making a decision to move on and try something different."
Steven Gerrard admits he knew it was time to leave Liverpool when he was dropped by Brendan Rodgers for the Champions League trip to Real Madrid.
Gerrard will join LA Galaxy this summer after choosing to leave Anfield following 16 years in the first team with his boyhood club.
The former captain's final season saw Liverpool struggle to replicate the previous campaign's form, which took Gerrard desperately close to lifting the Premier League title for the first time. The Reds competed again in the Champions League and it was on one of those European trips early in the season that Gerrard realised it may be time to look for a new challenge.
With Rodgers' side enduring a disappointing start in the Premier League, the manager opted to rest a number of players for the November visit to the Bernabeu to face Real, choosing instead to prioritise the visit of Chelsea the following the Saturday lunchtime.
Gerrard was joined by Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling on the bench, where the captain watched on "devastated" as Liverpool lost 1-0. They were also beaten by Chelsea a few days later.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand for BT Sport, Gerrard said: "This was round about the time when I was doing a lot of thinking about what's next for me because I'd had a couple of initial chats with Brendan saying to me 'I'm going to start managing your games and I have to look after you and I want you to be fresh and I don't want you to be playing three games in a week because you may be tired' and stuff like that.
"But this situation was a bit unique because it was Real Madrid and I wanted to play, and when I was told I wasn't playing, for the sake of the team and the squad and my relationship with Brendan, I took it and I accepted it.
"But I sat on that bench devastated because I wanted to play so, it is one of those situations.
"It sort of pushed me making a decision to move on and try something different."
Liverpool forward Danny Ings admits he may find it tough to use his summer holiday to relax, such is his desire to impress at Anfield.
The 22-year-old, who has agreed a move to Merseyside from Burnley at the end of his contract on July 1, is currently away with England at the Under-21 European Championship and Liverpool are planning to give him a three-week break following its culmination.
The forward is well aware of the need for a break, but knows he still has a lot to prove before arriving at Anfield.
"I will be raring to go so I will probably only have two and join up with them on tour because I don't want to be playing catch-up," Ings said.
"I would prefer to be around the squad and ready to go for the start of the season."
There is renewed hope that England could yet make it all the way to the Prague finale following a spirited, if somewhat fortuitous, win against Sweden.
The dry Olomouc pitch made it tough for the Young Lions to break down the Scandinavians, but substitute Jesse Lingard's strike five minutes from the end was enough to secure a 1-0 win.
The Liverpool new boy's performance as a half-time replacement only strengthens his chances of starting Wednesday's crunch tie with Italy, but the forward is not getting worked up by his bench role.
"You've got to put the frustration to one side," Ings said. "You have got to respect who the manager picks and his team and be ready when called upon. I thought I did that (against Sweden).
"I just made sure that I was ready for when he was ready to put me on and hopefully I made a difference."
Ings is looking forward to the new challenge that awaits at Anfield, where he will wear the number 28 jersey next season.
He wore 10 at Burnley last term but that number is occupied by the impressive Philippe Coutinho - not that the forward believes he would deserve it yet anyway.
Ings believes such numbers at clubs like Liverpool are a reward for proven players, which is why he would never dream of taking the number eight vacated by Steven Gerrard or the available seven worn by the likes of Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Luis Suarez.
"I stayed away from the low numbers," Ings said. "You have got to take that pressure off yourself as a young lad coming through. That is what I personally think.
"I would make sure I am established before taking any of those numbers. It is such a huge club. That was the thinking behind it.
"I wouldn't want to go to Liverpool and chuck a shirt on my back like that - it is pressure you don't need. The expectation at clubs like that is huge.
"Obviously I am going to work my socks off to earn that number one day. For now I will take a high number and work hard."
Liverpool forward Danny Ings admits he may find it tough to use his summer holiday to relax, such is his desire to impress at Anfield.
The 22-year-old, who has agreed a move to Merseyside from Burnley at the end of his contract on July 1, is currently away with England at the Under-21 European Championship and Liverpool are planning to give him a three-week break following its culmination.
The forward is well aware of the need for a break, but knows he still has a lot to prove before arriving at Anfield.
"I will be raring to go so I will probably only have two and join up with them on tour because I don't want to be playing catch-up," Ings said.
"I would prefer to be around the squad and ready to go for the start of the season."
There is renewed hope that England could yet make it all the way to the Prague finale following a spirited, if somewhat fortuitous, win against Sweden.
The dry Olomouc pitch made it tough for the Young Lions to break down the Scandinavians, but substitute Jesse Lingard's strike five minutes from the end was enough to secure a 1-0 win.
The Liverpool new boy's performance as a half-time replacement only strengthens his chances of starting Wednesday's crunch tie with Italy, but the forward is not getting worked up by his bench role.
"You've got to put the frustration to one side," Ings said. "You have got to respect who the manager picks and his team and be ready when called upon. I thought I did that (against Sweden).
"I just made sure that I was ready for when he was ready to put me on and hopefully I made a difference."
Ings is looking forward to the new challenge that awaits at Anfield, where he will wear the number 28 jersey next season.
He wore 10 at Burnley last term but that number is occupied by the impressive Philippe Coutinho - not that the forward believes he would deserve it yet anyway.
Ings believes such numbers at clubs like Liverpool are a reward for proven players, which is why he would never dream of taking the number eight vacated by Steven Gerrard or the available seven worn by the likes of Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Luis Suarez.
"I stayed away from the low numbers," Ings said. "You have got to take that pressure off yourself as a young lad coming through. That is what I personally think.
"I would make sure I am established before taking any of those numbers. It is such a huge club. That was the thinking behind it.
"I wouldn't want to go to Liverpool and chuck a shirt on my back like that - it is pressure you don't need. The expectation at clubs like that is huge.
"Obviously I am going to work my socks off to earn that number one day. For now I will take a high number and work hard."
Liverpool have completed the signing of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim for a fee that could rise to £28million.
The 23-year-old Brazil international has agreed what Liverpool describe as "a long-term contract" and will undergo a medical once he completes his commitments at the Copa America.
It is understood the Reds will pay £21million up front but add-ons could eventually see that amount rise to £28million.
Firmino has scored 47 goals in 151 appearances during his four and a half years in Germany and has scored four times in nine international caps, including Sunday's Copa America winner against Venezuela.
Firmino is Liverpool's fifth signing in a busy start to the transfer window, with more expected to follow as strikers Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon are understood to be targets.
Manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring in another forward despite the arrival of England Under-21 international Danny Ings from Burnley, and the £32.5million release clause of Aston Villa's Christian Benteke is considered too high.
Therefore he has turned his attention to Bacca, the 28-year-old Colombian who scored 28 goals for Sevilla in Spain's Primera Division last season, and Rondon, a Venezuela international who has 20 goals in 39 matches for Zenit St Petersburg.
The pair are in Copa America action along with Firmino and the club feel they represent better value for money than Benteke, with reported fees of B#20million and B#15million respectively.
Liverpool have already recruited Ings, Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Charlton defender Joe Gomez and Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan as well as giving a new long-term contract to Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Danny Ward.
Liverpool have completed the signing of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim for a fee that could rise to £28million.
The 23-year-old Brazil international has agreed what Liverpool describe as "a long-term contract" and will undergo a medical once he completes his commitments at the Copa America.
It is understood the Reds will pay £21million up front but add-ons could eventually see that amount rise to £28million.
Firmino has scored 47 goals in 151 appearances during his four and a half years in Germany and has scored four times in nine international caps, including Sunday's Copa America winner against Venezuela.
Firmino is Liverpool's fifth signing in a busy start to the transfer window, with more expected to follow as strikers Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon are understood to be targets.
Manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring in another forward despite the arrival of England Under-21 international Danny Ings from Burnley, and the £32.5million release clause of Aston Villa's Christian Benteke is considered too high.
Therefore he has turned his attention to Bacca, the 28-year-old Colombian who scored 28 goals for Sevilla in Spain's Primera Division last season, and Rondon, a Venezuela international who has 20 goals in 39 matches for Zenit St Petersburg.
The pair are in Copa America action along with Firmino and the club feel they represent better value for money than Benteke, with reported fees of B#20million and B#15million respectively.
Liverpool have already recruited Ings, Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Charlton defender Joe Gomez and Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan as well as giving a new long-term contract to Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Danny Ward.
Liverpool have completed the signing of striker Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim on a long-term contract.
Formerly with Figueirense in Brazil, Firmino can play anywhere across the front three, and is currently on Copa America duty with Brazil.
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre flew to Chile to get the deal done, and did so in the early hours of Wednesday morning, UK time - though the deal is still subject to a medical that will not take place until after Brazil have concluded their participation in the Copa America.
Firmino, 23, is Liverpool’s fifth signing of the summer as boss Brendan Rodgers rebuilds his squad following a disappointing Premier League campaign. Danny Ings, Adam Bodgan, Joe Gomez and James Milner have also been brought in.
The Reds have so far resisted two offers from Manchester City for Raheem Sterling but Firmino's arrival - on what Sky sources understand is a five-year deal - could see City resurrect their interest in the England international.
Firmino arrived at Hoffenheim at the start of 2011 having been signed for £3.52m as a 19-year-old, and has scored 48 times in 152 appearances for the German side, notching seven times in the Bundesliga last term.
And he was also on target for Brazil in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday.
In the absence of Neymar, who has been suspended for the rest of the event, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho - now Liverpool team-mates - are set to start again in Saturday's quarter final against Paraguay.
Liverpool have completed the signing of striker Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim on a long-term contract.
Formerly with Figueirense in Brazil, Firmino can play anywhere across the front three, and is currently on Copa America duty with Brazil.
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre flew to Chile to get the deal done, and did so in the early hours of Wednesday morning, UK time - though the deal is still subject to a medical that will not take place until after Brazil have concluded their participation in the Copa America.
Firmino, 23, is Liverpool’s fifth signing of the summer as boss Brendan Rodgers rebuilds his squad following a disappointing Premier League campaign. Danny Ings, Adam Bodgan, Joe Gomez and James Milner have also been brought in.
The Reds have so far resisted two offers from Manchester City for Raheem Sterling but Firmino's arrival - on what Sky sources understand is a five-year deal - could see City resurrect their interest in the England international.
Firmino arrived at Hoffenheim at the start of 2011 having been signed for £3.52m as a 19-year-old, and has scored 48 times in 152 appearances for the German side, notching seven times in the Bundesliga last term.
And he was also on target for Brazil in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday.
In the absence of Neymar, who has been suspended for the rest of the event, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho - now Liverpool team-mates - are set to start again in Saturday's quarter final against Paraguay.
Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal with Hoffenheim to sign Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino.
The Anfield side have been looking to strengthen their attacking options, Sky sources reported earlier in the day that Liverpool had held talks with Carlos Bacca, Salomon Rondon and Firmino, and the Brazilian is now on the brink of a switch to Anfield.
Formerly with Figueirense in Brazil, Firmino can play anywhere across the front three, and is currently on Copa America duty with Brazil but Sky sources understand the 23-year-old will sign within the next 24 hours.
Sky Sports News HQ reporter Dharmesh Sheth said: "This is potentially very good news for Liverpool.
"We understand that they have agreed a deal with Hoffenheim for attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino.
"He is at the Copa America in Chile at the moment, but he has given Liverpool a verbal undertaking that he will join in the next 24 hours.
"Sources in Germany have also told us that the deal is as good as done.
"As far as we are concerned, we have been told that the deal has been agreed and that he has given a verbal undertaking that he will join in the next 24 hours."
Liverpool have already signed Burnley striker Danny Ings, while Adam Bodgan, Joe Gomez and James Milner have already been brought in.
The Reds have so far resisted two offers from Man City for Raheem Sterling but with Firmino's arrival understood to be imminent, City could resurrect their interest in the England international.
Sheth added: "Could this have a knock-on effect for a certain Raheem Sterling? They play in similar positions.
"Raheem Sterling has been the subject of two rejected bids from Manchester City. Will Manchester City come back with a third bid, given this news?
"Will Liverpool now think they have got someone in place and be willing to sell Sterling to Manchester City?"
Firmino arrived at Hoffenheim at the start of 2011 having been signed for £3.52m as a 19-year-old, and has scored 48 times in 152 appearances for the German side, notching seven times in the Bundesliga last term.
And he was also on target for Brazil in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday.
In the absence of Neymar, who has been suspended for the rest of the event, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, who is already a Liverpool player, are set to start again in Saturday's quarter final against Paraguay.
Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal with Hoffenheim to sign Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino.
The Anfield side have been looking to strengthen their attacking options, Sky sources reported earlier in the day that Liverpool had held talks with Carlos Bacca, Salomon Rondon and Firmino, and the Brazilian is now on the brink of a switch to Anfield.
Formerly with Figueirense in Brazil, Firmino can play anywhere across the front three, and is currently on Copa America duty with Brazil but Sky sources understand the 23-year-old will sign within the next 24 hours.
Sky Sports News HQ reporter Dharmesh Sheth said: "This is potentially very good news for Liverpool.
"We understand that they have agreed a deal with Hoffenheim for attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino.
"He is at the Copa America in Chile at the moment, but he has given Liverpool a verbal undertaking that he will join in the next 24 hours.
"Sources in Germany have also told us that the deal is as good as done.
"As far as we are concerned, we have been told that the deal has been agreed and that he has given a verbal undertaking that he will join in the next 24 hours."
Liverpool have already signed Burnley striker Danny Ings, while Adam Bodgan, Joe Gomez and James Milner have already been brought in.
The Reds have so far resisted two offers from Man City for Raheem Sterling but with Firmino's arrival understood to be imminent, City could resurrect their interest in the England international.
Sheth added: "Could this have a knock-on effect for a certain Raheem Sterling? They play in similar positions.
"Raheem Sterling has been the subject of two rejected bids from Manchester City. Will Manchester City come back with a third bid, given this news?
"Will Liverpool now think they have got someone in place and be willing to sell Sterling to Manchester City?"
Firmino arrived at Hoffenheim at the start of 2011 having been signed for £3.52m as a 19-year-old, and has scored 48 times in 152 appearances for the German side, notching seven times in the Bundesliga last term.
And he was also on target for Brazil in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday.
In the absence of Neymar, who has been suspended for the rest of the event, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, who is already a Liverpool player, are set to start again in Saturday's quarter final against Paraguay.
Sky sources report that Liverpool have agreed a deal with Hoffenheim to sign forward Roberto Firmino.
The Anfield side have been looking to strengthen their attacking options and it looks the 23-year-old Brazilian international could be on his way.
Formerly with Figueirense, Firmino can play anywhere across the front three, and is currently on Copa America duty with Brazil.
Sky Sports News HQ reporter Dharmesh Sheth said: “This is potentially very good news for Liverpool.
“We understand that they have agreed a deal with Hoffenheim for attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino.
“He is at the Copa America in Chile at the moment, but he has given Liverpool a verbal undertaking that he will join in the next 24 hours.
“Sources in Germany have also told us that the deal is as good as done.
“As far as we are concerned, we have been told that the deal has been agreed and that he has given a verbal undertaking that he will join in the next 24 hours.
“Could this have a knock-on effect for a certain Raheem Sterling? They play in similar positions.
“Raheem Sterling has been the subject of two rejected bids from Manchester City. Will Manchester City come back with a third bid, given this news?
“Will Liverpool now think they have got someone in place and be willing to sell Sterling to Manchester City?”
Firmino arrived at Hoffenheim at the start of 2011 and has scored 35 times in 140 appearances for the German side.
And he was also on target for Brazil in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday.
In the absence of Neymar, who has been suspended for the rest of the event, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, who is already a Liverpool player, are set to start again in Saturday's quarter final against Paraguay.
Sky sources report that Liverpool have agreed a deal with Hoffenheim to sign forward Roberto Firmino.
The Anfield side have been looking to strengthen their attacking options and it looks the 23-year-old Brazilian international could be on his way.
Formerly with Figueirense, Firmino can play anywhere across the front three, and is currently on Copa America duty with Brazil.
Sky Sports News HQ reporter Dharmesh Sheth said: “This is potentially very good news for Liverpool.
“We understand that they have agreed a deal with Hoffenheim for attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino.
“He is at the Copa America in Chile at the moment, but he has given Liverpool a verbal undertaking that he will join in the next 24 hours.
“Sources in Germany have also told us that the deal is as good as done.
“As far as we are concerned, we have been told that the deal has been agreed and that he has given a verbal undertaking that he will join in the next 24 hours.
“Could this have a knock-on effect for a certain Raheem Sterling? They play in similar positions.
“Raheem Sterling has been the subject of two rejected bids from Manchester City. Will Manchester City come back with a third bid, given this news?
“Will Liverpool now think they have got someone in place and be willing to sell Sterling to Manchester City?”
Firmino arrived at Hoffenheim at the start of 2011 and has scored 35 times in 140 appearances for the German side.
And he was also on target for Brazil in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday.
In the absence of Neymar, who has been suspended for the rest of the event, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, who is already a Liverpool player, are set to start again in Saturday's quarter final against Paraguay.
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