Reds close in on Czech star

European giants Liverpool are set to bring in Jakub Sokolik from Banik Ostrava, according to the defender’s agent.

The teenager, who turns 16 on Friday, is understood to be on his way to Merseyside to hold talks over a possible contract with the Premier League giants.

Sokolik’s representative Pavel Zika expects the move to go through in the very near future.

“It is a regular transfer on the basis of an agreement between two clubs,” Zika tolf CTK.

“During the next few days we should finalise the deal.”

Sokolik has played for Czech Republic at Under 16 level and is regarded as an exciting prospect for the future.

Liverpool have been tracking his progress for some time and Banik general manager Werner Licka is not surprised Rafa Benitez’s men have stepped up their interest.

Licka said: “On the club level we are basically agreed with Liverpool, but it is not concluded yet because Jakub is travelling to Liverpool to discuss the terms of the contract.

“It is no coincidence that they have chosen him. He has a great potential to gain ground there.

“He knows what he wants and he is all right in the head. Personally, I am no big fan of transfers of such young players to foreign leagues but, on the other hand, the interest of Liverpool is a huge reward for our work.”

Banik chairman Tomas Trucha added: “If he reaches the first team just once, then it would make the transfer one of the biggest in Banik’s club history.”