Liverpool are close to signing Barcelona and Uruguay centre-back Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan, with an option to make the move permanent. The prospective deal would strengthen Liverpool’s defence after Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Araujo, 27, is expected to join Liverpool’s squad this weekend. He has made more than 200 appearances for Barcelona, helped the club win La Liga three times in four seasons and captained them at the end of last season, although he made only 11 league starts as Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi became Barcelona’s preferred pairing.