Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has praised the club for their activity in the early stages of the transfer window.

Roberto Firmino became Liverpool's second signing of the summer earlier this week following the earlier arrival of Danny Ings from Burnley, and Hamann is confident that the Brazilian will impress in the Premier League.

"I've not got a problem with the money Liverpool have paid for Firmino," the German told the Liverpool Echo. "He's one of the up and coming stars in Brazil and I think he's worth it."

Hamann has also suggested that Liverpool would be wise to accept a bid close to £50m for Raheem Sterling after recently rejecting two offers from Manchester City.

"If Liverpool get £50m for Sterling and invest half that money in Firmino the club will have made their best business in a long time," he added.

Liverpool are also reported to be close to a deal for Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne.