Liverpool have agreed to take Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo on a season-long loan, strengthening a depleted defence before the new season. The move matters because concerns over Jérémy Jacquet’s fitness, injuries to Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, and Ibrahima Konaté’s departure have reduced Liverpool’s available central-defensive options.

The 27-year-old Uruguay international, who has made more than 200 appearances for Barcelona, is expected to undergo a medical on Sunday and the agreement reportedly includes an option to buy. Araújo started only 11 league matches under Hansi Flick last season despite helping Barcelona win La Liga, while Liverpool had also considered Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa but were deterred by his £60m valuation.