Liverpool are expected to sign Diego Cavalieri, the Palmeiras goalkeeper, in a £3 million deal.

Juninho Parmigiani, the Brazilian's agent, says his client has passed a medical and is awaiting final clearance to complete his move to Anfield.

"We will conclude everything soon," Parmigiani said. "He has already had the necessary medical examinations, talked with some of his new team-mates and has been impressed by what Rafael Benitez had to say to him."

Toninho Cecilio, Palmeiras' sporting director, added: "I have spoken and he has completed the examinations and is very happy. There are some clauses still being discussed but nothing that can block the deal."

Liverpool are expecting to recoup some of the fee by selling Charles Itandje, the French goalkeeper, to Galatasaray for £2m, while Benitez has already signed full-backs Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena. The Brazilian is expected to become the club's No 2 goalkeeper behind Jose Reina and the move could signal the end of Scott Carson's Liverpool career.

The England international spent last season on loan with Aston Villa, but Martin O'Neill has been unwilling to meet Liverpool's asking price of around £10m. Stoke City have shown interest, but the fee would be a problem for the newly-promoted club with Benitez not interested in loaning out Carson again.