Javier Mascherano is close to sealing a permanent deal with Liverpool.
The Reds have been locked in talks with the former West Ham player for the last few months as they look to secure his future.
The Argentina international has been a revelation at Anfield since his arrival after an ill-fated spell with the Hammers.
Mascherano is hopeful he will put pen-to-paper on a contract in the next few days to end speculation over his future.
"We are really close," Mascherano told the club's official website. "Maybe this week or next week we will be able to say everything's finished. We can't say it just yet but hopefully in a few days everything will be okay.
"There are no problems with the fee or with the contract, it's just getting the papers finished.
"I have always said I want to stay here and so it hasn't been a difficult time for me. I have wanted it to be finished because I have my family behind me and I want to know what my future is going to be. I am calm and relaxed because I know that everything is almost over.
"I am very happy that in the next week I will be able to say I have signed for Liverpool. It will be the best moment of my career to be able to say I will be playing my football with Liverpool."
