Ghana full-back Samuel Inkoom has claimed Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign him in the January transfer window.

The club are reported to be in negotiations with the 22-year-old who is contracted to Ukrainian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

The right-back area has been a problem for the Reds this season, with Glen Johnson suffering from a hamstring injury.

Centre-back Martin Skrtel has been used as a temporary right-back, while young defender Martin Kelly has also deputised in the position.

Locked in talks

Inkoom told Ghana radio station Top Radio: "My agent is still locked in talks with my club and a scout of Liverpool and a deal could be concluded very soon.

"Nothing has been decided yet on whether I will join Liverpool on loan or move permanently.

"Liverpool is one of the biggest names in football and so if everything goes well and the Lord allows it, everyone will see where I am going and hopefully, it will be Liverpool, which will be a big step for me."

Inkoom began his career at Ghanaian side Sekondi Hasaacas before playing for Asante Kotoko and Basle.

He has won 25 caps for his country and was part of the squad that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.