The Portugal international will add weight to a Reds midfield which was looking worryingly short on numbers thanks to the departures of Javier Mascherano and Alberto Aquilani.

A statement on Liverpool's website read: "The 27-year-old, who started all four of his country's games in this summer's World Cup, will now undergo a medical and discuss personal terms on Merseyside before completing his move to the Reds."

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Liverpool yesterday agreed a deal to send Mascherano to Barcelona after the midfielder, whose family could not settle on Merseyside, was reportedly unprepared to play for the club.

Aquilani also departed for Juventus in a loan deal which brought to an end and underwhelming and injury-hit spell in the city in which he failed adequately to replace Xabi Alonso.

With Liverpool financially constrained as owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks attempt to sell the club, fans have had to make do with limited arrivals this summer - Christian Poulsen from Juve and Joe Cole on a free transfer from Chelsea being the headline names.

On the pitch Liverpool have started the season in uninspiring fashion under new boss Roy Hodgson, with last week's 3-0 defeat by Manchester City particularly dispiriting.

They at least have a Europa League campaign to look forward to after overcoming Trabzonspor this week.

Meireles, at home in the centre of midfield, is well decorated in Portugal, having claimed four league winner's medals.

He is an established international and scored in Portugal's 7-0 win over South Korea in South Africa this summer.