SideSport: Official: Liverpool signed Karius from Mainz.

Liverpool FC have confirmed the £4.7 million signing of a talented young German goalkeeper Loris Karius on a five-year deal from Mainz.

The German international, who has made 91 Bundesliga appearances, is the third new target of Jurgen Klopp’s first full season in charge at Anfield following moves for Cameroon international Joel Matip and Serbian starlet Marko Grujic.

Goal reported some days ago, that the short stopper was one of the manager’s premier targets as he strengthens the club’s rearguard and shakes up the goalkeeping department.

Karius, who has requested for No.1 shirt, with an aggressive starting position, stellar command of his area and excellent shot-stopping skills, will provide overdue competition to Simon Mignolet.

Loris, who spent two years in Etihad's youth set-up between 2009 to 2011, admitted last month that "it would be a great to play in England again." He also explained that he would only move on if he had the feeling that "everything fits perfectly" with a prospective club.

Liverpool’s interest motivate Karius, who could not pass up the chance to further develop under Klopp. The Reds boss is still revered in Mainz, where he spent almost seven years from 2001 to 2008.

The goalkeeper from the south of Germany was originally thought to have a release clause of just under £8 million, but that figure was skewered, with Liverpool able to do business for almost half the price.

The 22-year-old is rated as one of the foremost young talents of his country and his fellow professionals voted him the second best gloveman in the Bundesliga behind only Manuel Neuer.