Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has reportedly taken over the deal to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to ensure that the Reds get their man.

Reports suggest that the Merseysiders are close to sealing a deal for the Belgium international with a reported fee of £10m agreed between the clubs.

Now Ayre has postponed a scheduled trip to Brazil to ensure the deal gets over the line next week, reports the Shields Gazette.

Mignolet played in every single Premier League game for Sunderland last season.