Iceland boss Lars Lagerback has claimed that Gylfi Sigurdsson can become a "world class player" if he joins Liverpool.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Swansea City from Hoffenheim, and it had been suggested that he would join the Welsh club.

However, the Reds on the verge of securing the deal and Lagerback believes that the move will help the player progress.

"Gylfi had a fantastic season with Swansea and he has great quality. I was really impressed with what he did with Swansea and the way they played really suited him. He's a fantastic player at linking play around him and together with the players in his team," he told the Sunday Mirror.

"If he has some good players around him, then I think he's an absolutely top player – but he does need to be surrounded by quality. If that happens, then I think he could be a really world class ­player in the right environment."

Sigurdsson scored seven goals for Swansea last season.