Adam set to sign by Friday

Liverpool's pursuit of Charlie Adam should finally pay dividends this week.

Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish looks set to land his man at last, having chased the classy midfielder virtually from the day he returned to the club in January.

And the Merseyside club could make it a double deal, with Dalglish also inching closer to bringing England winger Stewart Downing to the club.

The Aston Villa star is still waiting for his club to appoint a new manager, but he is desperately keen to join Liverpool, and is hopeful a transfer can be agreed as soon as possible.

Adam could make the switch even sooner.

The Scot was distraught when what appeared a dream move to Anfield was dashed as Blackpool refused to do business, even at an inflated price of £10million.

But Dalglish's interest has never wavered, and discreet talks have continued this week, with the midfielder returning from holiday in Dubai to hasten proceedings.

Blackpool have played hardball in negotiations, with chairman Karl Oyston insisting he is under no pressure to sell, despite the player entering the last year of his contract.

But eventually, they are expected to agree a fee, with Liverpool now confident the Scot will finally join by the end of the week, in a deal that could eventually reach £9million.

He would become the second big-money capture after the £20million arrival of Jordan Henderson a week ago...and it won't be the last.

Downing has been in limbo, with Villa struggling desperately in their search for a new manager, but now it seems an appointment is imminent - and that will provide the impetus for an agreement to be thrashed out.

Liverpool had expressed an interested in Ashley Young, but with the England man set to join Manchester United, they will instead concentrate on prising Downing out of Villa Park, with an offer in the region of £10million.

Again, Dalglish is confident now of getting his man, and it seems only a matter of time before the former Middlesbrough favourite is on his way to Merseyside.

Liverpool also have Birmingham's Scouse defender Scott Dann on their radar - despite rival interest from Arsenal - and Ipswich wonder-boy Connor Wickham also is a serious target after they bid around £9million.

Source: Daily Mirror