Liverpool are closing in on their first signing of the Arne Slot era after stepping up talks with Valencia for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, a source has told ESPN.

Valencia and Liverpool are discussing a fee in the region of €40 million ($44m) for the 6 feet 6 inches Georgia international, but while a deal has not yet been finalised, a source has told ESPN that negotiations are moving towards a successful conclusion.

However, the 23-year-old, who helped Georgia reach the round-of-16 during their first appearance at a major tournament during Euro 2024, is set to remain in Spain, on loan at La Liga side Valencia, until the end of the 2024-25 season before moving to Anfield next summer.

Brazil international Alisson Becker and Republic of Ireland No. 1 Caoimhín Kelleher  remain the senior goalkeepers at Liverpool, but the move for Mamardashvili is viewed as planning for a future when either Alisson or Kelleher leave the club.

With Jürgen Klopp stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of last season after almost nine years in charge, new coach Slot has yet to bolster the squad he inherited since arriving from Feyenoord.

A move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi failed to materialise due to the Spain international opting to stay with the La Liga side, while interest in Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon did not progress earlier this summer.

Slot has said he is happy with the strength of his existing squad, but a deal for Mamardashvili would signal the first major signing of his time in charge.