Liverpool are on the brink of signing Brazil star Willian.

In the past few days, ­Newcastle have ­entered the race to sign the winger, who can leave his Russian League club Anzhi Makhachkala.

But Anfield sources ­believe they can clinch the ­£15million recruitment of the Brazil international.

The Toon registered their ­interest last week and hope to resume talks ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester City at the ­Etihad on Monday.

Joe Kinnear, Newcastle's Director of Football, has been scouring Europe.

He watched Belgium draw 0-0 with France last Wednesday.

And he has been given the all-clear by owner Mike Ashley to bring in the ­players needed to make Newcastle a force in the ­Premier League and prevent a repeat of last season when they came perilously close to relegation.

Willian has made it clear he would like to try his luck in the Premier League where his compatriots Oscar and David Luiz are at Chelsea while Sandro has been a ­success at Tottenham.

During the summer, the Brazilian invasion has­ continued, with Fernandinho joining Manchester City while Paulinho has teamed up with Sandro at White Hart Lane.

Liverpool were the early front-runners to land Willian until Newcastle made their move.

He has also been linked with Tottenham and Manchester United, but the Anfield giants believe they can still land their ­target.

Source: Daily Mirror